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Automation Evolution

 J.M. Syken

Course Outline

Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1950s/80s, we will examine the history of automated production. We will examine the early history of automated production and the development of Continuous Automated Production (CAP) by the early 20th Century.

We will also examine the advancements made in CAP in the post-WWII era such as automated machining of automobile engine blocks (in the late 1940s) which dramatically increased production. We’ll also examine the advancements made in automation by the National Bureau of Standard’s (NBS) Automated Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) using advanced robotics and computer technology by the middle of the 1980s.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.

Benefit to Attendees

The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the background, history, development, etc. of automated production.

Course Introduction

The course incorporates the viewing of two archival/documentary films broken down as follows;

Part 1 examines the efforts to provide Continuous Automated Production – in full and/or part, to America’s post-WWII industrial base for both retrofit into existing and/or new manufacturing facilities. Part 2 examines the efforts made by the national Bureau of Standards (NBS) via their Automated Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) to realize fully automated production.

Course Content

Part 1 – Continuous Automated Production (CAP);
TITLE: This is Automation (ca.1957)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/this_is_automation
DURATION: 27:32

Part 2 – Automated Manufacturing Research Facility;
TITLE: Automated Manufacturing Research Facility (1985)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.ntis.ava17422vnb1
DURATION: 22:03

Course Summary

Automation has the net effect of improving quality, decreasing inventory, increasing worker safety and efficiency and it conserves manpower. Automation is also highly cost-effective in that it amortizes its relatively high cost quickly, in other words it pays for itself. A big part of the problem of automation is initial cost. For most small companies, the only way to overcome that hurdle is to automate incrementally. With high-speed computers and robotics, fully automated factories and workshops are no longer a dream but an everyday reality.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Automation

http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/National_Institute_of_Standards_and_Technology

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.