automation

Automation or automatic control, is the use of various control systems for operating equipment such as machinery, processes in factories, boilers and heat treating ovens, switching on telephone networks, steering and stabilization of ships, aircraft and other applications with minimal or reduced human intervention. Some processes have been completely automated.
The biggest benefit of automation is that it saves labor; however, it is also used to save energy and materials and to improve quality, accuracy and precision.
The term automation, inspired by the earlier word automatic (coming from automaton), was not widely used before 1947, when Ford established an automation department. It was during this time that industry was rapidly adopting feedback controllers, which were introduced in the 1930s.
Automation has been achieved by various means including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic devices and computers, usually in combination. Complicated systems, such as modern factories, airplanes and ships typically use all these combined techniques.

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  1. Apples76

    Question Newbie help needed in selecting the right equipment for heating control and home automation

    Hi all, I have spent the last few days trawling through the quagmire of home automation/heating controls and to say my head is spinning with all it's possibilities is an understatement! I have read quite a few detailed post on this forum hence me posting my questions here. I initially started...
  2. Puntoboy

    Question New home automation

    I've been looking at home automation in the last few days trying to decide the best way to control the lighting. I'm looking for a system that is Apple HomeKit compatible mainly and works with different devices. For lighting I've seen two ways to do it, either change the bulbs or change the...
  3. T

    Home Automation System Required...

    Hi Guys, We are building a new house and would like to install some sort of home automation, so things like CCTV, Alarm, Blinds Control and Audio. We are not highly experienced when it comes to technology but are intelligent enough to navigate through an iPad type interface to control a...
  4. Scubapauly

    Question iConnectHue Timers and Time Zones

    Hey folks, If I set up the iConnectHue app to turn on lights at Sunset and off at Sunrise etc. does this work on the location of my bridge or my phone? I have timers set up already but I'm heading to the US soon and dont want the timers to suddenly start running on US time instead of GMT. Paul
  5. hardmn

    best house automation advice

    Hi, currently renovating our house and need some advice and help. What's the best automated system to control all the following 1) Access control ( drive way and pedestrian gates) 2) CCTV/ intruder alarm - wired with cat 6? remote images required 3) Sound system throughout house- 4) heating...
  6. K

    Question Need help getting started with automation

    So 15 years ago I had a very heavily-connected X10 home with Misterhouse (open-source Perl). I have since moved several times but I'm ready to go at it again. My first priority is replacing the deadbolts at my home with something that can be remotely controlled; specifically opened via the web...
  7. C

    Here's a lesson I learned with my home automation

    Hi guys, My home automation system has been running fine for quite a while but while I was in the middle East last week the the wife messaged complaining about the rcd in the house tripping. Before I could reply she managed to pin it down to the outside light. Due to the torrential rains...
  8. P

    Question Home automation with on premesis server?

    I've been looking at home automation for a while, but most of the ones that I've seen are either largely unavailable in the UK or are dependent on smart phones and internet linked hubs. What I'm looking for is an ecosystem that allows me to set up timed triggers for events. Such as turning...
  9. C

    Tasker UI for Home automation and control

    Gents (and Ladies), Just thought I'd share my latest UI screenshot for my wall mounted tablet for my HA system. All lights etc are controllable from the floor plan, also pressing the TV icon in the Livingroom brings up an overlay page with some basic controls for harmony (play, pause, mute and...
  10. M

    Question Security Alarm - Home Automation

    We are about to complete on our new property (1920/1930s semi), and are looking to install a security alarm. We envisage (dependent on funds!) to renovate and extend the property in 18 to 24 months. When we undertake this project, we'll look to fully integrate more smart home features (automatic...
  11. xrtc

    Home Automation Engines

    Hello World, I am doing research in the context of Home Automation, to be more specific in the existing automation engines. Any kind of engines either standalone or parts of home automation systems are my research goal. I want to experiment with them, shortly if possible, so an important...
  12. pompeydean

    Home Automation Installation Decisions

    Hi all, Some of you may be familiar with what I'm doing from my build thread (here), but for those who aren't, I am renovating a bungalow from top to bottom and I'm now at first fix stage so am making my decisions on the home automation side of things. I have had some great advice on my build...
  13. mtwa1990

    Answered Cheapest whole house AV/automation system?

    looking for the cheapest way of having a whole house av system with automation included. im wanting my virginmedia, bluray playerand cctv dvr all connected (preferably by HDMI) to central server that also has POTS input satellite input and connected to my doorbell so when someone rings the bell...
  14. B

    Question Getting into home automation

    I'm getting a lot of building work done on the house soon which will include a lot of wiring work so I'm thinking of getting a remote control system but I don't know where to start. I'm looking for boiler, underfloor heating in the bathroom, lighting, and socket control. There are several...
  15. B

    Wanting to get into home automation

    I'm getting a lot of building work done on the house soon which will include a lot of wiring work so I'm thinking of getting a remote control system but I don't know where to start. I'm looking for boiler, underfloor heating in the bathroom, lighting, and socket control. There are several...
  16. K

    Home AV/Automation - Control4/Other Options

    My employer has a Control4 system that was installed back in late 2010 when the house was built. He's never been 100% happy with it and there have always been issues (sometimes a TV just stops getting signal entirely for example). The cabinet where all the equipment is held is a mess of wires...
  17. snaithg

    Home Automation Demonstrations

    Does anyone know whether there are any places (in the South Herts area) where different Home Automation systems are demonstrated ? Thanks Graham.
  18. porterhammer

    Answered What Home Automation stuff do you have?

    And just a quick ranking of it. I'll go: I have, in order of date of aquisition: 1. A first generation Nest thermostat. It has worked great for me, but I'm switching from oil heat to heat pumps, so I'm not sure I'll still be able to use it yet. 2. Two Nest smoke detectors. They intially...
  19. yulasinio

    Soon to move in new house - AV, automation, security planning

    My first post on AVforums so I would like to say a big "Hello!" to the community and all of its contributors. We are finally getting closer to move in to our new property (first time buyers) and we are currently planning for AV, security and automation distribution. The property is a newly...
  20. C

    Very quick vid of my home automation system

    As the title says I've done a really quick vid of my home automaton system as a friend was interested. Thought I'd share it here. I'll do a much better one sometime soon and add some detail. Thanks,
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