Automobiles

LEVELS OF AUTOMATION

1. Device level:- This is the lowest level in our automation hierarchy. It includes the actuators, sensors, and other hardware components that comprise the machine level. The devices are combined into the individual control loops of the machine; for ex· ample, the feedback control loop for one axis of a CNC machine or one joint of an industrial robot.
2. Machine level:- Hardware at the device level is assembled into individual machines. Examples include CNC machine tools and similar production equipment, industrial roo bOIS, powered conveyors, and automated guided vehicles. Control functions at this level include performing the sequence of steps in the program of instructions in the correct order and making sure that each step is properly executed.
3. Cell or system level:- This is the manufacturing cell or system level, which operates under instructions from the plant level. A manufacturing cell or system is a group of machines or workstations connected and supported by a material handling system, computer. and other equipment appropriate to the manufacturing process. Production lines arc included in this level. functions include part dispatching and machine loading. coordination among machines and material handling system, and collecting and cvaluatinginspection data.
4. Plum level:- This is the factory or production systems level. It receives instructions from (he corporate iuforrnation system and translates them into operational plans for production. Likely functions include: order processing, process planning, inven. tory control, purchasing, material requirements planning, shop floor control, and qualiry control.
5. Enterprise level:- This is the highest level.consisting of the corporate information systern.It is concerned with all of the functions necessary to manage the company: marketing and sales, accounting, design, research, aggregate planning, and master production scheduling.