To introduce the student to industrial sensors and their applications in automation. To introduce the student to advanced control systems within automation. To outline the various types of hardware elements within a production environment. To provide the student with the ability to control and monitor data flowing to and from a production line - LABView software. To introduce the student to programmable logic controller hardware and software. To introduce the student to material transportation systems used within industrial environments.

Introduction to Automation & Control Systems, Basic elements of an automated system, control systems, open looped, closed looped systems, levels of automation within the manufacturing plant. Continuous and discrete control systems, computer process control, PID control, block diagrams, steady state error, limit theorem, system response and system models. Hardware: Sensors, types and applications, correct selection, Analogue to Digital Converters, Digital to Analogue Converters, encoders, logic gates, Boolean algebra. Programmable Logic Control Siemens PC based, Mitsubishi code, ladder logic, timers, counters, industrial applications and uses. LabVIEW Continuous monitoring of data, graphical user interface, control of systems, programming language, industrial applications and uses. Material Transportation Systems Material handling, transport equipment, AGVs, conveyors, design of systems, rating of systems, SMEMA control. Material storage systems, retrieval systems, carousels. Automated Identification: Bar-coding, 1D barcode, 2D barcodes, Radio Frequency ID, smart sensors linked to production control and warehousing.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to: 1. Given a sequence of operations individually design a logic gate and ladder logic solution. 2. Specify and Design LABView software programmes capable of monitoring data from sensors and controlling actuators. 3. Determine the properties of open and closed loop systems outline the block diagrams and mathematical calculations of transfer functions and steady state. 4. Illustrate the use of sensors. 5. Specify and Design an automated materials handling system. 6. Specify correct material transportation options for handling a variety of products and determine the communication code to allow communication through the production line. 7. Identify automated identification and the applications for 1D and 2D barcode and be able to select the correct identification for specific industrial applications. 8. To demonstrate a high level of competency in developing automated systems and solutions through course work projects.

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On successful completion of this module students will be able to: 1. Computer software programming, fabrication of parts, wiring of sensors.

Successful participants will be: (i) Knowledgeable about modern automation processes and the alternative approaches to automating a manufacturing process. (ii) Creative in applying problem solving and investigation skills relevant to the challenges associated with the design of automated systems in manufacturing.