Sensors provide real-time data directly
from processes, equipment, and systems.
Paired with sensors, actuators become
the most basic form of automation, which
allow your machines to make decisions
by enabling movement and measured
changes. Sensors and actuators are
essentially the foundation of the digital
factory."
Mario Sheppard
Senior Engineer - Automation & Manufacturing Technology (Advanced Air Mobility), Supernal
Despite the ubiquity and importance of sensors,
a number of design considerations make sensor
integration a notable challenge. For example, with
so many sensors deployed throughout the factory,
ensuring that the data from these sensors is
transmitted reliably in a harsh environment and in
real-time is a major design challenge. Another major
challenge is the power vs. space conundrum, in
which balancing power density becomes a significant
consideration.
Along with sensors, actuators form the interface
to the physical process and thus are an important
piece of the digital factory. The digital factory is
characterized by high levels of automation, and
actuators are the component that makes this
automation possible. Commonly used actuators
include linear actuators, pneumatic actuators, and
motors, each of which serves important factory
functions in use cases such as motion control,
robotics, and positioning.
Actuators also come with their own slew of design
challenges, such as power management and
distribution. For example, actuators need both
C h a p t e r 1 | S m a r t Fa c t o r i e s R e q u i r e S m a r t S e n s o r s a n d A c t u a t o r s
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Leading the Way to the Digital Factory
