Global recessions have historically impacted several businesses or industries. The industrial automation controls sector has not escaped the wrath either. Industrial automation has been around for decades, roughly since the 1930s and 1940s. But, according to experts, the sector hasn’t reached its potential yet. The forthcoming years could be something to look forward to in the space.
Due to the comparatively minor production volumes and large varieties of applications, the industrial automation controls space basically employs fresh technologies made in other markets. In other words, automation firms tend to customize items for particular requirements and applications. The innovation, therefore, stems from targeted applications, instead of any fresh, hot technology.
Over the last few decades, specific innovations have certainly provided industrial automation fresh growth surges. Relay-logic made way for PLC (programmable logic controller). It fuelled expansion in applications where it was tough to implement and alter custom logic. Compared to relay-contacts, the PLC was significantly more reliable and much simpler for programming and reprogramming. Growth was major in automobile test-installations, which often had to be re-tuned for fresh car models. The PLC has been around for long and quite productive too. As a result, it is now more of a commodity.
During PLC development, another rush of innovation happened through automation control systems. Minicomputers made obsolete big central mainframes in all central control rooms, giving rise to DCS (distributed control systems). Honeywell pioneered it with the TDC 2000. However, these weren’t truly distributed since they were still fairly huge clusters of computer components and I/O connections-filled cabinets.
With the PC’s arrival, cost-efficient PC-based software and hardware became possible. This offered DCS functionality at an extremely low cost and complexity. Surprisingly, there wasn’t any basic tech innovation at play here – instead, they were innovative technology extensions made for other markets, altered and tailored for industrial automation needs.
The sensor side, however, saw some major developments and innovations which created solid growth for particular companies. With good marketing and enhanced specifications, Rosemount’s flow sensor displaced lesser products in no time. And there were many other smaller tech developments that created growth pockets for some firms. However, few touched the hundred million dollars mark in yearly turnover.
Going forward, automation software would be embedded in systems and products. A major independent innovation, however, doesn’t seem likely at least in the near future. The range of manufacturing software services and solutions would yield significant outcomes, but those would not be independent occurrences.
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