There has been a lot of discussion recently about the proliferation of smart machines. These systems not only perform repetitive tasks at soaring speeds and high accuracy, but they adapt to changing conditions and operate more autonomously than ever before. Like previous generations of technologies, smart machines will impact almost every domain of life. They will alter how we produce goods, how doctors perform surgeries, how logistics companies organize storage, and even how we educate future generations.
Debates around the subject range from the fear of losing low- and middle-skilled jobs to the hope of sparking the resurgence of manufacturing in high-paying countries. While research institutes, economists, and the media debate the impact of machines infused with information technology, engineers and scientists are tasked with providing manufacturing systems that are dramatically more flexible and versatile. These systems must help the manufacturing industry satisfy the need for product variety and deal with the ever-decreasing life cycles of consumer goods.
The Control Design Guide for Smart Machines provides insight into the challenges machine builders face today and demonstrates proven methods and solutions that help innovative machine builders get ahead of the competition. Experience the impact graphical system design and customizable off-the-shelf hardware has on the design process and business success.