Automation has certain primary goals as listed below:
■ Integrate various aspects of manufacturing operations so as to improve the product quality and uniformity, minimize cycle times and effort, and thus reduce labor costs.
■ Improve productivity by reducing manufacturing costs through better control of production. Parts are loaded, fed, and unloaded on machines more efficiently. Machines are used more effectively and production is organized more efficiently.
■ Improve quality by employing more repeatable processes.
■ Reduce human involvement, boredom, and possibility of human error.
■ Reduce workpiece damage caused by manual handling of parts.
■ Raise the level of safety for personnel, especially under hazardous working conditions.
■ Economize on floor space in the manufacturing plant by arranging the machines, material movement, and related equipment more efficiently.