The term ‘factory automation’ refers to the use of information technology and various types of control systems in a way that lessens the need for human intervention. In India, the increasing use of computers across almost all industrial segments has given a boost to the entire factory automation process. One of its effects has been the use of an entirely new set of machinery in the industrial sector, thus greatly reducing the need for manual labour. Understandably, the change has not been very well received by a large section of the workforce, and has, in some ways, contributed to factory lay-offs in many industries. In India, factory automation is a significant aspect of many industries such as automotive, manufacturing, packaging, infrastructure and construction, transport, mining and iron and steel. The need for factory automation is increasing day by day, in line with the demand for high quality products, and ensuring that consistency in quality is met in instances of high volume production. However, one of the biggest advantages of factory automation is that it reduces the scope for error, as there is very little human involvement in the entire process. Hide this