Prospects For Automation Research Articles

Equipment and Operations Automation in Mining: A Review

The mining industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by the rapid advancement and adoption of automation technologies. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of automation in mining, examining the technological advancements, their applications, and the prospects of automation in this critical industry. A key focus of this paper is the impact of automation on the safety and efficiency of mining operations. Highlighting the successful implementation of Automated Haul Truck Systems (AHSs) in surface mining. Additionally, this paper explores the development of automation in underground mining and its challenges, particularly limitations in communication and localization, which hinder the development and deployment of fully autonomous systems. It also provides an exploration of the challenges associated with widespread automation adoption in mining, including high initial investment costs, concerns about job displacement, and the need for specialized skills and training. Looking toward future advancements in enabling technologies will be critical for furthering automation in mining. Machine learning and AI will play an increasingly critical role in intelligent automation, enabling autonomous systems to adapt to dynamic environments, optimize processes, and make informed decisions. This paper provides a look into human–robot collaboration in the future of mining. As the industry transitions toward greater automation, it is essential to consider the evolving roles of human workers to foster a collaborative work environment. This involves prioritizing human safety, providing adequate training, and addressing concerns about job displacement to ensure a smooth transition toward a more automated future.

The automation of the processes of students’ reporting documentation standard control: The software solution concept

Reporting documentation is one of the assessment tools used to verify the students’ mastery of several universal, general professional, and vocational competencies, reflecting the ability to search, critically analyze, and synthesize information, as well as the ability to design methodological materials and develop technical documents related to professional activities. Mastering the relevant competencies can be assessed by the results of analyzing the report text and controlling the compliance of documents with requirements to the design, accompanied by a set of standard checks. Such standard control does not imply any variability in the assessment and therefore has prospects for automation. The introduction of a software solution aimed at automating the processes of standard control will reduce the time spent on checking the reporting documentation and the formation of recommendations for students to correct the detected inconsistencies.The article analyzes the most common errors in the design of students’ reporting documentation on the results of internships, compiles a classification of errors, and suggests methods for detecting each type of non-compliance with the requirements to the design of documents. The concept of the software solution for automation of standard reporting documentation control, which offers a realization of the proposed methods and creates interfaces for interaction with users, is created using the principle of modularity. The results of the research presented in the article demonstrate the potential of applying automation methods to the tasks of checking students’ reporting documents.

Blockchain empowerment: Investigating integration with software-defined networks and its impact on IoT privacy

The swift expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has brought forth exceptional prospects for automation and data-driven decisions. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an instance of network architecture that divides network devices into a control plane and a data plane. SDN provides a dynamic and adaptable method of managing the growing complexity of IoT devices with its programmable design and centralized control. A network's capacity to handle an increasing number of IoT devices is facilitated by SDN's improved scalability. Custom network policies and services that are suited to the distinctive requirements of various IoT applications it can be established because of SDN's programmability. SDN and blockchain integration can improve network transaction and configuration security. Here, blockchain technology is decentralized. There is not just one point of failure, which lowers the possibility of malicious attacks and illegal access. The study demonstrates that IoT environments can be enhanced more efficiently, transparently and safely by integrating blockchain technology with SDN. A summary of SDN is presented and then block-chain technologies are examined with a focus on consensus protocols. After that, it explores the difficulties of implementing blockchain-based SDN into practice, concentrating on security issues. Furthermore, this study explores the mutual effects of IoT and blockchain, emphasizing the complementary relationship between the two developing technologies. This review highlights that block-chain as well as SDNs could work together to strengthen IoT privacy and establish a more robust digital future.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Impact of Automation on Productivity and Efficiency

The complex agricultural environment, together with the need for high levels of productivity, necessitates establishing robust systems that can be efficiently and economically developed. The absence of order and structure in the external environment heightens the probability of experiencing failures. Furthermore, it is often seen that equipment management is entrusted to those with little proficiency in technology. Therefore, the significance of intrinsic safety and reliability becomes a pivotal attribute. The issue of ensuring food safety requires using automated technologies that are both sterilized and reliable to minimize the risk of contamination leakage. This article examines the progress and prospects of automation in the agricultural sector, with a specific emphasis on the use of autonomous equipment, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The article examines the advantages of automation in enhancing the management of agricultural production, minimizing expenses, and achieving objectives related to environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the complexities associated with automation, as it brings to light several obstacles such as the repercussions on agricultural workers, possible disparities in social and environmental aspects, and the need for more investigation and advancement.

Advancements in Grain Adulteration Detection and Quality Assessment - A Survey

Abstract: Food security and public health are severely compromised by food adulteration and quality deterioration, which have become pressing concerns. Unfavourable food quality is caused by a multitude of factors, including but not limited to the widespread adulteration of food. Food quality is heavily influenced by environmental variables, such as poor storage conditions, pest infestations, and contaminant exposure. Furthermore, food products may be exposed to adverse circumstances due to the complexities of transportation and distribution, which can result in microbial spoilage and a loss of nutritive value. Consumers are thereby subjected to a decreased level of nutritional quality from their diet in addition to health hazards. In the context of food grains, such as rice and wheat, the challenges are particularly noteworthy. As these grains form the essence of sustenance in regions like India, ensuring their quality is paramount. Grain quality evaluation has traditionally been done by hand using labour-intensive, human error-prone procedures. However, the prospect of automation and computer vision gives a glimmer of optimism in today's technologically advanced society. Systemic research and developments concerning the evaluation of grain quality have demonstrated that image processing techniques may be employed to automate the procedure. Such advancements give rise to the potential for more accurate, efficient, and scalable grain quality assessment.

ІНФОРМАЦІЙНІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ДЛЯ ОБЛІКУ ТА УПРАВЛІННЯ БІЗНЕСОМ: ПРОБЛЕМИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ

The article considers the role of information technologies in accounting, reporting and management of business processes of business entities, focusing on the challenges and prospects of automation in these areas, the rapid pace of development of information technologies and their impact on optimization and problem solving in modern society. The current trends in the development and possibilities of using information technology in accounting and business management are analysed. The theoretical and practical aspects of information technologies, problems of their use are revealed and proposals on possible ways to solve them are formulated. The main advantages and disadvantages of using information technology and process automation are presented. Possible obstacles arising from the automation of business process accounting are highlighted, classifying them into four key areas: improving the quality of information, saving time and labour costs, efficiency and relevance of data, and strengthening control. The article highlights the main characteristics and features of an automated company accounting system in the context of global digitalization, which contribute to the establishment of an automated process of collecting, structuring and processing accounting data. Attention is focused on the use of remote technologies based on software and hardware solutions, and the advantages of these technologies, such as cost reduction, access from any device, and real-time synchronization of changes, are presented. Possible information security problems when using remote services are noted. Certain aspects are highlighted, failure to comply with which may lead to the risk of data loss, violation of their integrity and confidentiality, etc. Prospects for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems are considered. It is shown how the knowledge base and self-learning capabilities of AI systems can contribute to the construction of integrated management systems and solve problems of various aspects of accounting and management. Attention is paid to the problem of cybersecurity and the importance of computer security measures to prevent the risks of loss and distortion of information is emphasized.

АКТУАЛЬНІ ПИТАННЯ АВТОМАТИЗАЦІЇ ТОРГОВЕЛЬНИХ ПРОЦЕСІВ

Problem statement. The automation of trade processes is included in external factors that determine a high level of quality of trade service, which leads to the satisfaction of consumers with the services received and ensures the formation of loyalty on their part. Automation not only simplifies the performance of certain trade and technological operations, but also allows you to accumulate data on purchasing behavior, facilitating contact with the consumer at all stages of interaction. Research results. Quite often, the automation of trade processes is associated only with the simplification of individual operations using barcode marking, however, the functionality of the software solutions that is offered on the market is much broader, what allows you to link equipment and services into a single system through appropriate integration protocols. Trade software is usually divided into two groups of solutions - front- and back - office , which is determined by the functions performed and the place in the interaction between the trade enterprise and the consumer. Based on a critical analysis, key factors that affect the feasibility of automation of trade enterprises and the choice of appropriate software are identified, which include: financial resources; the type of market in which the enterprise operates; form of sale; types of products in the assortment; the structure of the retail trade network; legislation; infrastructure. The advantages of automation are obvious for all participants of the trading process, which is determined by the offered set of software functions and the availability of additional modules. In addition, the automation of trade processes implies the presence or possibility of CRM integration, which should be understood as a certain set of information technologies that make it possible to accumulate and use information during the entire period of interaction with consumers to ensure effective relationship management. Conclusions. The process of automating trade processes is important from the point of view of ensuring the competitive advantages of trade enterprises. Prospects of automation and approaches to the implementation of complex projects, improvement and modification of existing software solutions require clarification and are of scientific interest from the point of view of further research.

Integration of Mechatronic and Automation Technology in Sustainable Farming for Achieving Food Security in Kenya

Advanced farming that involves modern technology, especially in large scale, can aid in attaining food security for any given country. In this study, the prospects of automation, mechatronics and the developments for modern farming are explored for sustainable agriculture in Kenya. For the purpose of technological diversification, the use of mechatronics and automation in various smart farming technological systems is presented. It is possible to step up development in realizing food security in Kenya with the use of these modern farming techniques among other similar technologies. The use Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IOT), Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communications, photovoltaic thermal solar systems, cloud data storage and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies that are utilized in autonomous tractors, drone farming, livestock monitoring, smart poultry, dairy, irrigation, greenhouse, and farm warehouse systems are discussed. These advances can result in significant increase in production, efficiency, profits, as well as better monitoring, surveillance and tracking in the farm. Finally, the impact of these technologies on agriculture in relation to sustainable food security is explored, where it is demonstrated that mechatronic farm automation integrated with the mobile applications can offer better farm monitoring, increase yields as well as contribute towards better land utilization.

Automated guided vehicles in modular integrated construction: potentials and future directions

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the potentials of using automated guided vehicle (AGV) technology in modular integrated construction (MiC) to realise logistics automation in module manufacturing and transport.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a scenario approach through three phases (i.e. scenario preparation, development and transfer), with six steps performed iteratively. The scenarios were systematically developed using a six-aspect socio-technical framework. Data were collected through a comprehensive literature review, site visits and interviews with relevant stakeholders and professionals. Implications regarding strength, weakness, opportunities and challenges and future research directions are provided.FindingsThe developed scenarios of “smart manufacturing” and “last-mile delivery” demonstrated how AGVs could be used to enhance efficiency and productivity in module manufacturing and transport. The synergies between AGVs and emerging information technologies should pave a good foundation for realising logistics automation in MiC. Future research should address: how to define the tasks of AGVs, how will the use of AGVs impact MiC practices, how to design AGV-integrated module manufacturing/transport systems and how to integrate people factors into the use of AGVs in MiC.Practical implicationsThis paper reveals the socio-technical benefits and challenges of using AGVs in MiC.Originality/valueThis study extends the understanding of using logistics automation in MiC as emerging research directions, with the intention of directing scholars’ and practitioners’ interest into future exploration. It is the first attempt in its kind. Its findings could be extended to constitute a comprehensive development roadmap and prospects of automation in modular construction.

No automation please, we’re British: technology and the prospects for work

AbstractThis article assesses the impact and probably limits of automation. It looks, in particular, at the case of the UK economy. The prospects for automation are seen as necessarily uncertain and potentially regressive in their effects, with technology likely to sustain a large number of low-quality jobs. The deep-seated problems of the UK economy—low-investment, low-productivity and low-real wages—are seen as key impediments to forms of automation that work for all in society. It is argued that, without wider institutional reform, the UK will be unable to reap the full potential of automation.

Technology GEONOD: Status and Prospects of Automation and Control

Seismic prospecting is one of the crucial components for an effective use of oil and gas fields on offshore. Since the costs of drilling a well on the shelf is hundreds of times more expensive than drilling a well on land, preliminary marine seismic exploration can help avoid unnecessary costs. High quality data of marine seismic surveys can only be obtained from bottom technologies: special bottom stations are lowered into the investigated area of the seabed. These bottom stations collecting direct and reflected acoustic signals (generated on the surface by an acoustic radiator) from the seabed. After all data is recorded, bottom stations are lifted to the surface, the recorded data is downloaded for subsequent interpretation. As a result, based on the obtained data, a 2D or 3D detailed map of the potential oil and gas deposits is complied. The resulting maps are used to determine the exact coordinates of the installation of drilling stations. The most common technology of marine seismic exploration is the use of bottom stations on a halyard rope. First development of this technology began in the 1970s and did not assume the means of automation work with bottom stations. All operations of removal and attachment of rope to station, diving and lifting stations, as well as a number of other operations were performed manually. Nowadays, there has not been any automation in working with stations on the halyard rope. In addition, the use of halyard rope has a number of disadvantages such as: Hooking of halyard rope for obstacles on the sea bottom; The breakage of the halyard rope; The need to have additional space on the vessel to store the halyard rope and all accessories, which leads to the use of larger vessels that can not operate at shallow depths; The halyard rope that is connected to the bottom stations generates a seismic noise, which degrades the quality of the received data; Impossible to conduct seismic prospecting in places with high shipping traffic. Developed over the past few years, a new Russian technology of marine seismic exploration GEONOD allows us easily solve many of mentioned problems. Many of these problems do not rise at all, since the GEONODE technology does not use halyards, and the work is carried out by the autonomous self-popup bottom stations (ASDS). In this paper a number of problems on applied mechanics and control in connection with technology GEONOD are considering.

Impact of Drilling Costs on the US Gas Industry: Prospects for Automation

Recent low gas prices have greatly increased pressure on drilling companies to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Field trials have shown that implementing automation can dramatically reduce drilling costs by reducing the time required to drill wells. This study uses the DYNamic upstreAm gAs MOdel (DYNAAMO), a new techno-economic, bottom-up model of natural gas supply, to quantitatively assess the economic impact of lower drilling costs on the US upstream gas industry. A sensitivity analysis of three key economic indicators is presented, with results quoted for the most common field types currently producing, including unconventional and offshore gas. While all operating environments show increased profitability from drilling automation, it is found that conventional onshore reserves can benefit to the greatest extent. For large gas fields, a 50% reduction in drilling costs is found to reduce initial project breakevens by up to 17 million USD per billion cubic metres (MUSD/BCM) and mid-plateau breakevens by up to 8 MUSD/BCM. In this same scenario, additional volumes of around 160 BCM of unconventional gas are shown to become commercial due to both the lower costs of additional production wells in mature fields and the viability of developing new resources held in smaller fields. The capital efficiency of onshore projects increases by 50%–100%, with initial project net present value (NPV) gains of up to 32%.

Substantiation of the structure theory of design of technological machines and devices

The object of research is the theory of the design of technological machines and devices. The main idea of this theory is the possibility of a priori quantitative evaluation of the design of machine and instrument constructions for manufacturability, unification and other indicators based on the identification of structural design features and the creation of quantitative criteria. An in-depth study of this work has shown that the weaknesses of the research are related to the rather high influence of the heuristic component on the process of scientific and engineering search. One of the most problematic places is that the complete formalization of this process can lead to a halt in the development of scientific and technical thought. There is a risk of reducing the construction process to the reproduction of an infinite number of similar structures that differ in certain characteristics, but lie within the same constructive series. To prevent the negative impact of the proposed theory on the rate of technical progress, it is necessary to strictly limit the field of its use, using it to optimize the design of entire products or their individual components and automate the process of searching for a better prototype for improvement in a combination of features. To prove the main idea of the theory, methods of analysis and induction are used in the course of the research, on the basis of which, using the lemma and existence theorems, basic axiomatic theories are formulated with the subsequent completion of theorems, although the content of the considered theory is not mathematical, but technical objects. The structure theory of design is unique, since being a model of logical computation, it makes it possible to reveal regularities in classes and series of a set of designs on the basis of which to propose ways of optimizing and improving the productivity of the design process by establishing a connection between the features of the designs and their coding according to the chain of successive transformations. Coding of structures in place in the chain of transformations opens up wide prospects for automation of the design process.

Similar efficacy of broad-range ITS PCR and conventional fungal culture for diagnosing fungal infections in non-immunocompromised patients.

BackgroundBroad-range fungal inter spacer region (ITS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been evaluated for the detection and identification of fungi in clinical specimens from severely immunocompromised patients, but not in non-selected patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of ITS PCR with that of fungal culture and to investigate its clinical impact on the diagnosis of fungal infections in non-immunocompromised patients. The corresponding patients’ data were retrieved by detailed medical chart reviews.ResultsResults from 251 specimens showed a high concordance of 89.6 % for ITS PCR and fungal culture. The analytical sensitivity and specificity of ITS PCR considering culture as gold standard were 87.7 and 90.3 %, respectively, the positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) were 76 and 95.5 %, respectively. Assessing the clinical probability of a fungal infection based on detailed chart reviews, PCR had a clinical sensitivity of 88.9 %, a specificity of 86.3 %, a PPV of 64.0 % and a NPV of 96.6 %. The overall performance of fungal broad-range PCR was similar to that of culture.ConclusionsOur data show that, in non-selected and non-immunocompromised patients, the performance of ITS PCR is similar to that of culture for detecting fungal infections, not the least because sensitivity of culture in patients under antifungal treatment is surprisingly high. Compared to culture, PCR has the advantage of a rapid time-to-result (approximately two working days), proper identification of rare pathogens, prompt initiation of a species-targeted antifungal treatment, and prospects for automation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-016-0752-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Development of HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of environmental phenols in human urine

We present a sensitive method for simultaneous determination of bisphenol A (BPA), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 4-tert-octylphenol (t-OP), ortho-phenylphenol (OPP), four parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl parabens) and five chlorophenols (2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-triclorophenol), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP), and triclosan (TCS)), in human urine by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) mass spectrometry (MS). Samples were processed using enzymatic deconjugation of glucuronides followed by solid phase extraction (SPE) on a C18 cartridge and the eluate was concentrated. Analytes were separated by reversed-phase HPLC and then detected by atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) MS and quantified by isotope dilution method. We describe details for optimisation of each step of the procedure. The sample treatment steps are straightforward and not labour-intensive and, therefore, permit a high sample throughput with excellent prospects for automation. This method shows low inter-day variation, and detection limits for most of the compounds are below 1 ng/mL in 1 mL of urine. The method accuracy was also verified by the analysis of proficiency testing urine samples.

Increasing Efficiency for Dried Blood Spot Analysis: Prospects for Automation and Simplified Sample Analysis

Increasing Efficiency for Dried Blood Spot Analysis: Prospects for Automation and Simplified Sample Analysis

Laboratory automation in the chemical industries, David G. Cork and Tohru Sugawara (eds), Marcel Dekker, New York, 2002, ISBN 0‐8247‐0738‐9, pp, US $165.00

Journal of ChemometricsVolume 16, Issue 12 p. 639-639 Book Review Laboratory automation in the chemical industries, David G. Cork and Tohru Sugawara (eds), Marcel Dekker, New York, 2002, ISBN 0-8247-0738-9, pp, US $165.00 James M. Puckett Jr, Corresponding Author James M. Puckett Jr Process Development Analytics Ciba Specialty Chemicals McIntosh, Al 36553, USAProcess Development Analytics Ciba Specialty Chemicals McIntosh, Al 36553, USA.Search for more papers by this author James M. Puckett Jr, Corresponding Author James M. Puckett Jr Process Development Analytics Ciba Specialty Chemicals McIntosh, Al 36553, USAProcess Development Analytics Ciba Specialty Chemicals McIntosh, Al 36553, USA.Search for more papers by this author First published: 29 November 2002 https://doi.org/10.1002/cem.763Citations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume16, Issue12December 2002Pages 639-639 RelatedInformation

Advances in Seismic Event Location

Advances in Seismic Event Location is a collection of nine papers presented at a workshop held in the Dead Sea region in January 1998. The motivating influence of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a common theme throughout the book, but a broad perspective on basic Earth science research is also maintained. Although the book is comprised of papers presented at a single conference, it comprehensively discusses relevant research, including a broad review of classical, derivative‐based location methods using one‐dimensional Earth models through modern innovations that incorporate three‐dimensional models. Also covered are global optimization algorithms, different types of data, probabilistic approaches to earthquake location that convey uncertainties more accurately, optimal network configuration, and prospects for automation, including refining automatic phase detection and an artificial intelligence approach that includes pattern recognition.

Large scale manufacturing of compound semiconductors by MOVPE

As more compound semiconductor devices reach large volume manufacturing levels, a trend toward the use of the MOVPE technique is clear. In this paper we examine the criteria needed for MOVPE equipment suitable for large scale manufacturing. We find that although uniformity and device performance are necessary, reproducibility is also critical, along with high throughput and low operating costs. These points are illustrated by actual examples including MMIC power amplifiers, HB-LEDs, and solar cells. A realistic COO model provides a tool for evaluating MOVPE systems of different capacities. In situ control of key parameters during growth is now feasible, and will become an important method for increasing reproducibility and throughput. Lastly we look at the prospects for automation, for decreasing labor costs as well as wafer handling. This is likely to first have an impact on systems for the growth of electronic device structures on large (100 and 150 mm) wafers.

State and prospects of automation of the process of checking instruments used in measuring flow rate and quantity of flow of substances

State and prospects of automation of the process of checking instruments used in measuring flow rate and quantity of flow of substances