These days, of course, we have computers that control electronic automation.
The unions were against this, not wanting their members to lose their livelihood through automation such as robotics. The trade unions were pretty strong in those days, especially so in companies that were modernizing their plants through automation. The automobile industry is another example of automation, with robots eventually taking over a lot of manual activities such as spot welding and spray painting. One such system of a material handling conveyor, incorporating some of the above components is shown below: These operated hydraulically and pneumatic cylinders were the basis of most of the material handling conveyor systems and furnace casting operation. In those days, for the aluminum smelter, like for most manufacturing industries, the automation of the time consisted of sensors or “magic eyes” or proximity switches, along with limit switches with long tails and solenoid valves, relays, and timers. This was not just for efficiency, but also for the safety of the men working in hazardous areas. It was considered a modern partially-automated plant, using the latest methods of automatic smelting and casting techniques. I worked at the smelter from 1975 until it ceased operations in 1981. I first came across automation when I was at sea and saw the engine room automatic controls on diesel engines and, on steamships, the boilers being automatically controlled by a “Bailey Board.” There were many other examples, but I saw some impressive automation in action in an aluminum smelter where I worked as an engineer, here in the Highlands of Scotland. In the following sections the history of automation will be examined the first section gives an overview of some systems and industries that have been automated. This has resulted in improved efficiency, along with a higher quality product coupled with the attendant savings in labor and costs. This is especially so in the intensive labor manufacturing industry, with the majority of these being almost fully automatic through the use of the latest technology. Great advances have been made in the automation of the various activities formerly carried out manually.
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