Automated Manufacturing Systems: Actuators, Controls, Sensors, and Robotics

This introductory text, which requires no prerequisites, examines the components used in automated systems. It provides a balanced coverage of sensors, actuators, controllers, and control theory and discusses some special-purpose automation components, automation systems, and automation concepts. The text is unique in its clear, complete coverage of servosystems. Content is divided into four parts. Part one examines typical automated cellworks and includes a discussion of closed loop control and an introduction to the CIM environment. Part two explains the operation of simple actuators and sensors. Electric motors and vision systems are treated in separate chapters. Part three, which addresses automated control, discusses digital computers and programmable controllers. Chapters in the final section examine typical workcells, flexible manufacturing systems, and the economic justification for automated systems.