Arduino and Automation Systems in Industrial Environments

In industrial environments, the concept of automation is nothing new. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, machines have been doing jobs once done by the human hand – and have done so on a huge scale. As we now look towards what comes next, industrial automation will normally comprise engineered systems or programmable logic controllers. But each has its own pitfalls – whether that’s cost or inflexibility. So, could Arduinos provide a solution to both problems?

What exactly is a Programmable Logic Controller?

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a commercial, solid-state computer control system. In an industrial setting, PLCs will take data from inputs such as sensors or other devices and make decisions based on pre-determined parameters. As such, PLCs can be installed in a broad range of settings and can offer an effective control and monitoring solution. Also, you can consider composite presses that are designed to work effectively with either a specific composite product.

But PLCs aren’t without their disadvantages. One of the main issues that can emerge with PLCs is when something goes wrong. It can be hard to locate faults and – when they are found – it’ll often need specialist technicians to resolve them. In addition, some PLCs can’t perform too well in applications where they are exposed to high temperature or vibrations.

Arduino explained: What is it and how is it used?

So, could Arduino offer a potential solution for industrial applications? No matter the setting, an Arduino board also has the same capabilities when it comes to reading inputs and turning them into outputs. As such, this open-source electronics platform certainly boasts the ability to act in virtually the same way as a PLC. It’s major advantage, however, is that it costs much less.

One attribute that Arduino can’t offer in comparison to a PLC is the industry-grade construction. That said, there is surely no reason why Arduino can’t still be used in less critical applications if a more expensive PLC will ordinarily be used. It has already been used, for example, in building a new data logging platform for long-term monitoring in harsh or submerged environments.

The future use of Arduino in industrial applications

In the short-term, Arduino boards can certainly be put to effective use for less-demanding and lower-risk applications. This extends to home automation projects such as those that control a heating system or automatic gates, for example. But there is further potential based on its low cost to be incorporated into R&D efforts – particularly when building connected prototypes.

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Arduino could also help companies to create products that can be upgraded with ease at some stage in the future. And it may just be that having Arduino skills on your CV could be the entry point into a new position of employment. Its supreme ease of use, flexibility, and low cost is an enticing prospect for industrial operations that depend on automation and greater connectivity.

So, perhaps Arduino’s role in industry could be about to expand over the coming years.