5 Advantages of Industrial Automation

The industrial landscape has changed significantly with technologies enhancing operational and functional processes. Enhanced with automation, today's factory floors are more independent than ever.

These intelligent technologies help raise performance and efficiency to new levels and save considerable time, effort, and resources. A recent report suggests that the global industrial automation market will expand at a CAGR of 7.5% in the coming years, reaching USD 326.14 billion by 2027.

Let's explore the top advantages of industrial automation and how it has recently transformed the industrial sector.

Improved Productivity

Most industrial operations are repetitive and demand incredible precision and consistency. It's critical to have seamless connectivity between the production and distribution chains and other constituting units. Automation effectively addresses this with minimized human input.

Besides, industrial robots can mimic human actions and perform the same operations, repeatedly maintaining the same output quality. They are designed to control and monitor all processes and systems with logical programming algorithms and powerful machinery.

Since industrial automation can efficiently carry out low-skill, high-volume tasks, it can increase productivity by up to 50%. Automation eliminates bottlenecks and downtime, thus optimizing processes and workflows. As a result, the human workforce can focus more on value-driving tasks that require strategizing and expertise.

Predictive Analysis

Data integration empowers industrial units, offering an additional competitive edge. Data-driven analysis can remarkably improve decision-making, preventive maintenance, demand forecasting, workforce management, manufacturing execution systems, and other aspects of industrial operations.

It accelerates business efficiency and helps create a more agile system combining predictive and prescriptive capabilities. Advanced-level sensors offer the added advantage of real-time data collection, leading to better and more accurate insights.

Moreover, the power of predictive analytics is amplified by efficient industrial robots. They are equipped with high-end machine-learning algorithms and statistical models and can use historical data to predict future events, equipment downtime, and other operational hurdles.

Enhanced Workforce

There's this rising debate about automation replacing human workers and eliminating jobs. However, industrial automation is a potentially groundbreaking development for man-machine collaboration. It augments the workforce's strength, supporting them to perform in difficult working conditions.

Since industrial processes are extensively labor-intensive, automation offers flexible work arrangements. The monotonous, repetitive, and strenuous tasks are performed by machinery, whereas humans can take care of intellectually stimulating work.

Modern industries are currently focusing on human-centered robotics that allows workers to accomplish more work in less time, eliminating the chances of human errors. Some common examples of these robots are Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and Collaborative Robots (Cobots).

Safety

One of the significant concerns of industrial units is workplace safety. There are high hazard risks as the working environment often comprises heavy machinery and hazardous equipment that can lead to accidental slips, falls, and trips. Industries also operate in extremely high temperatures and pressure conditions, releasing toxic and dangerous chemicals and fumes that can severely affect workers' health.

According to the International Labour Organization, about 270 million occupational accidents occur annually. Moreover, about 160 million workers fall victim to work-related diseases.

Industrial automation helps address these issues, presenting a highly reformed workplace with reduced risks of hazards. It creates a harmonious environment for workers, preventing them from performing high-risk tasks or accessing accident-prone areas. Besides, automation also ensures real-time monitoring, allowing faster response times to avoid potential mishaps.

Cost Savings

Industrial automation might pose a costly plan. Undoubtedly, it demands high initial investments, but integrating automation can be highly cost-effective in the long run.

Automation can significantly reduce labor costs and minimize wastage and other damages caused due to human errors. As per recent research, industrial automation can help save about 20% of labor costs. Besides, industrial automation also reduces the cost involved in training and development to upskill workers.

Since these advanced equipment operate with high levels of precision and accuracy, there are fewer interruptions, downtime, and failures.

Industrial Automation with Hokuyo USA

Hokuyo USA offers innovative sensing solutions that are integral to industrial automation systems. Our sensors enable intelligent collaboration between humans, robots, and other industrial equipment to create a more efficient and safe working environment.

Our product range includes collision avoidance sensors, safety laser scanners, obstacle detection scanners, optical data transmission devices, and laser rangefinders (LiDAR). We support OEMs, end-users, integrators, R&D firms, and resellers involved in manufacturing, material handling, autonomous robotics, and metals industry applications throughout North America.

Improve factory productivity, logistics performance, process output, and efficiency with enhanced sensing technology from Hokuyo.

For more information, contact our experts today.