Chapter 3 of 12: show all chapters
Chapter 3 of 12Part 1: What is automation? · 3 min
What does an automation engineer do?
Every one of those machines needs someone to write its rules and make sure they work. That person is an automation engineer.
Someone has to write the rules
A new machine does not know what to do. Someone has to tell it. When this sensor sees a can, start filling. When the can is full, stop.
Automation engineers write those rules, test them and fix them when something goes wrong. They are also called controls engineers.
Who they work for
Some work for a factory. Many work for specialist companies that build control systems for lots of different customers: factories, water works, warehouses and power stations. These companies are called system integrators.
It is skilled work, and almost every kind of industry needs it.
What you will learn here
This site teaches the core of the job: write the rules, test them, and work out why a machine is misbehaving. You practise on machines on your screen, so a mistake costs nothing.
Try it
Click through a typical job, from the first phone call to years later.
1. The call
A drinks factory wants a new filling machine, or wants an old one to go faster.
Step 1 of 6: The call. A drinks factory wants a new filling machine, or wants an old one to go faster.
New words
- Automation engineer
- The person who writes, tests and fixes the rules that machines follow.
- System integrator
- A company that builds and programs control systems for other businesses.
Quick check
What is the main thing an automation engineer writes?