Automation technology

Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.

technology for control systems
technologies of automation
control systems
automation technologies
control systems technology
technology of control systems

knowledge

cross-sector

Automation technology is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Industrial robot controller: Industrial robot controllers operate and monitor industrial robots used in automation processes to perform various manufacturing activities such as lifting, welding and assembling. They ensure that the machines are working correctly and in sync with other industrial robots, maintain and repair defective parts, assess risks and perform tests.
Automation engineering technician: Automation engineering technicians collaborate with automation engineers in the development of applications and systems for the automation of the production process. Automation engineering technicians build, test, monitor, and maintain the computer-controlled systems used in automated production systems.
Electronics and automation vocational teacher: Electronics and automation vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, electronics and automation, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for an electronics and automation-related profession, such as electrician or technicians involved in automating production processes. Electronics and automation vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of electronics and automation through assignments, tests and examinations.
Power production plant operator: Power production plant operators maintain and operate the equipment in power stations and other energy production plants. They repair faults, operate machinery directly or from a control room, and handle materials related to electricity production in compliance with safety and environmental procedures. They facilitate interaction between electrical energy facilities, ensuring that distribution occurs safely.
Robotics engineering technician: Robotics engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of robotic devices and applications through a combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, and computer engineering. Robotics engineering technicians build, test, install and calibrate robotic equipment.
Mechatronics engineer: Mechatronics engineers design and develop intelligent systems, such as robotic devices, smart home appliances, and aeroplanes, through combining technologies from mechanical, electronic, computer, and control engineering. They create blueprints or design documents for parts, assemblies or finished products using software programs, and also oversee and manage projects.
Nuclear reactor operator: Nuclear reactor operators directly control nuclear reactors in power plants from control panels, and are solely responsible for the alterations in reactor reactivity. They start up operations and react to changes in status such as casualties and critical events. They monitor parameters and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Automation engineer: Automation engineers research, design, and develop applications and systems for the automation of the production process. They implement technology and reduce, whenever applicable, human input to reach the full potential of industrial robotics. Automation engineers oversee the process and ensure all systems run safely and smoothly.
Mechatronics engineering technician: Mechatronics engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of mechatronic devices and applications through a combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, and computer engineering. They build, test, install, and calibrate mechatronics and solve technical problems.

Automation technology is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Steam engineer: Steam engineers provide energy and utilities to facilities, such as steam, heat and refrigeration. They operate and maintain equipment such as boilers and air compressors, and research and develop new methods and improvements for the provision of utilities.
Mechatronics assembler: Mechatronics assemblers assemble and maintain complex mechatronic equipment and machines, such as robots, elevators, and advanced home appliances. They build the mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, install software, set the systems in operation, and maintain and repair the components and systems.
Marine electronics technician: Marine electronics technicians lay out, install and repair electronic systems and equipment in vessels. They assemble electronic components and wiring according to blueprints and assembly drawings.
Instrumentation engineering technician: Instrumentation engineering technicians assist instrumentation engineers in the development of control equipment, such as valves, relays, and regulators, which can be used to monitor and control processes. Instrumentation engineering technicians are responsible for building, testing, monitoring, and maintaining of equipment. They use wrenches, beam cutters, grind saws, and overhead cranes to build and repair equipment.
Building electrician: Building electricians install and maintain electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure in buildings. They make sure installed electrical equipment is isolated and presents no fire hazards. They understand existing situations and make improvements if called for.
Electrician: Electricians fit and repair electrical circuits and wiring systems. They also install and maintain electrical equipment and machinery. This work can be performed indoors as well as outdoors, in nearly every type of facility.
Sensor engineer: Sensor engineers design and develop sensors, sensor systems and products that are equipped with sensors. They plan and monitor the manufacture of these products.
Industrial engineer: Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.
Electrical mechanic: Electrical mechanics install, repair and maintain mechanical and electrical components of machinery, tools and equipment. They test electrical parts to ensure efficiency and make improvements accordingly.
Industrial electrician: Industrial electricians install and maintain electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure in large industrial and commercial buildings. They perform inspections and repair defective parts of electrical systems to ensure efficiency.
Maintenance and repair engineer: Maintenance and repair engineers focus on the optimization of equipment, procedures, machineries and infrastructure. They ensure their maximum availability at minimum costs.
Computer-aided design operator: Computer-aided design operators use computer hardware and software in order to add the technical dimensions to computer aided design drawings. Computer-aided design operators ensure all additional aspects of the created images of products are accurate and realistic. They also calculate the amount of materials needed to manufacture the products. Later the finalised digital design is processed by computer-aided manufacturing machines that produce the finished product.
Electronic equipment assembler: Electronic equipment assemblers are responsible for the assembly of electronic equipment and systems. They assemble electronic components and wiring according to blueprints and assembly drawings. They may assist in quality inspection and equipment maintenance.
Solar power plant operator: Solar power plant operators operate and maintain equipment which produce electrical energy from solar power. They monitor measuring equipment to ensure the safety of operations, and that the production needs are met. They also react to system problems, and repair faults.
Steam plant operator: Steam plant operators operate and maintain mechanical equipment such as stationary engines and boilers to provide utilities for domestic or industrial use. They monitor proceedings to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and perform tests to ensure quality.
Hydropower technician: Hydropower technicians install and maintain systems in hydropower plants. They perform inspections, analyse problems and carry out repairs. They ensure the turbines operate in compliance with regulations, and assist the hydropower engineers in the construction of turbines.
Microsystem engineer: Microsystem engineers research, design, develop, and supervise the production of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which can be integrated in mechanical, optical, acoustic, and electronic products.
Electrical engineer: Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems, electrical equipment, components, motors, and equipment with the feature of energy transmission. They engage in large scale projects such as the design and maintenance of power stations, and the distribution of power to smaller applications such as household appliances.
Electrical supervisor: Electrical supervisors monitor the operations involved in installing and servicing electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Quality engineering technician: Quality engineering technicians work with quality engineers or managers to analyse and solve quality problems and improve productivity. They examine machines for imperfections and inspect products to make sure they meet the standards. They also provide personnel with training in inspection techniques and prepare inspection plans.
Steam turbine operator: Steam turbine operators operate and maintain machinery which generates power. They ensure the safety of the operations and monitor operations to detect problems, and react to emergency situations.
Energy engineer: Energy engineers design new, efficient and clean ways to produce, transform, and distribute energy to improve environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. They extract energy through natural resources, such as oil or gas, or renewable and sustainable sources, such as wind or solar power. 
Security alarm technician: Security alarm technicians install and maintain security alarm systems to protect against hazards such as fire and burglary. They install sensors and control systems and connect them to power and telecommunication lines if required. Security alarm technicians explain usage of the installed systems to the prospective users.
Control panel assembler: Control panel assemblers read schematic drawings to assemble control panel units for electrical equipment. They put together wiring, switches, control and measuring apparatus and cables with hand operated tools.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.
Precision instrument assembler: Precision instrument assemblers read blueprints and assembly drawings to assemble precision instruments such as micrometers, gauges, thermostats and utility meters. They collect the different components and piece them together using hand tools or machinery. Furthermore they calibrate the instruments and test their precision.
Hydropower engineer: Hydropower engineers research, design and plan the building of facilities that generate electricity from the movement of water. They search optimal locations, conduct trials and try different materials to achieve the best result. Hydropower engineers develop strategies for more efficient energy production and analyse environmental consequences.
Nuclear engineer: Nuclear engineers plan and design engineering equipment and processes in nuclear plants and sites. They engage in engineering activities pertaining to nuclear power plants, and develop risk solutions.
Power plant control room operator: Power plant control room operators are responsible for the safe and proper operation of power plants, switchyards and associated control structures. They repair and maintain the involved machinery and equipment to ensure the plant’s efficient operation and to tackle emergency situations such as blackouts.

References

1. Automation technology – ESCO