Automation

Automation is the control of machines and processes by independent systems using various technologies.

This is a practical competition that will test your understanding of logic circuits, design and fault-finding skills related to industrial automation in a challenging but enjoyable environment with a view to develop your automation skills further. To participate you will need to enter as a team of two competitors.

To complete the tasks, competitors are expected to apply their theoretical knowledge of principles of automation, basic pneumatic and electro-pneumatic components used in constructing circuits and associated PLC programming.

The skills that are tested include:

• Designing, building and testing pneumatic, electro-pneumatic circuits.
• PLC programming for sequential and non-sequential tasks using own devices.
• Use of appropriate sensors and actuators to build simple automated systems.
• Mechanical assembly and electrical wiring.
• Application of safety components in automated systems.
• Adding new functionality and operations to a given application
• Visualisation of automation processes using Node-RED and OPC-UA protocol.

Full list of core competencies required can be found in the Technical Handbook within the useful resources section.

Competitors who have taken part in the Automation competition are encouraged to consider taking part in Mechatronics or Industry 4.0 competitions in subsequent years, with a view to progress their skills set further and also benefit from having access to international competitions.