This book first provides users with the fundamentals of process automation, process automation architecture, and their application areas. The authors then show how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enhance these fields. The book delves into the transformative era of integrative process automation and control engineering (IPACE) and aims to empower readers to harness the power of Industry 4.0.It transcends siloed approaches, uniting cutting-edge technologies like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), AI, ML, and digital twins with established process automation and control principles. Furthermore, the authors share hands-on experience with the technology along with applications in various sectors such as transportation, smart homes, production/manufacturing, renewable energy, and agriculture. The book discusses new technological advances, current research trends, and industry requirements. This book serves as a roadmap for process automation practitioners, engineers, scientists, executives, and students, inspiring them to embrace the opportunities and challenges of IPACE and shape the future of industrial automation.
Introduction.- Historical Evolution of Process Automation.- IoT in
Industrial Process Control.- Machine Learning and AI in Automation.-
Cybersecurity for Automated Processes.- Sustainability and Environmental
Considerations in Automation.- Case studies: Successful Implementations of
Industry 4.0 paradigms.- Soft skills and Management in the era of Automated
Industries.- Future trends and Predictions in Process Automation.-
Application Areas of Process Automation.- Opportunities and Challenges of
Process Automation.- Integration of Robotics in Process
Automation.- Intelligent Process Automation.- Integration of UAVs in Process
Automation.- Conclusion.
Puramanathan Naidoo obtained a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Sastri College, 1986; National Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering, ML Sultan Technikon, 1994; Master of Technology Degree, Port Elizabeth Technikon, 2002; Doctor of Technology Degree, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2006. He served in industry as a Laboratory Tester, 1983-1986; Apprentice Instrumentation Mechanic, 1986-1988; Instrumentation Mechanician, 1988-1993; Engineering Leader, 1993-1996; Operations Manager, 1996-1997. He joined academia as Lecturer, 1997-2002, Senior Lecturer, 2002-2009; Head of Department, 2010; Assistant Professor, 2011-2024. He has served with Umalusi, writing up engineering standards and auditing the Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) sector nationally and the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority (MERSETA). Participated as an audit team member of Council for Higher Education (CHE), auditing university programme, infrastructure, and governance. Prof Naidoo is registered as Senior Member of Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control (SAIMC), registered as Fellow with South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and registered as Professional Technologist with the Engineering Council of South African (ECSA). He has published and served on various publication editorial panels. His research areas are process automation and control, intelligent systems, renewable energy, and industrial communication systems. Supervision of postgraduate studies complements his research work.
MO. Odhiambo obtained a BSc degree in Electrical Engineering from university of Nairobi in 1980, MSc in Microprocessor Technology and Applications from Brighton Polytechnic, UK in 1990 and PhD degree in Parallel and Distributed Computer Architecture from University of Surrey, UK in 1998. He joined the department of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport & Communication as Trainee Engineer in 1980, arising through the ranks to become Planning Engineer in-charge of acquisition, installation and commissioning of Navigational Aids systems (NAVAIDS) in Kenya. He joined Moi University as a Lecturer in the department of Electrical and Communications Engineering in 1992, rising to the post of Senior Lecturer in 2001. He joined Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa in 2004 as a Postdoctoral Fellow. In 2006, he joined the department of Electrical & Mining Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa as Senior Lecturer. He was appointed head of head of the department of Electrical & Mining Engineering 2009 - 2011. He was appointed Associate Professor in the same department in January 2012. He was appointed an Associate Professor and Head: Department of Process Control & Computer Systems, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa since 1st December 2014. He retired from this post on 31st March 200. Prof. Odhiambo is currently Research Professor, Faculty Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa and a Dean: Faculty of Engineering, Chuka University, Kenya wef 1st November 2023. Prof. Odhiambo is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers and Technologists (IET), UK, Senior member of South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and a member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK). He is a Registered Engineer (REng): Engineers Registration Board of Kenya (ERBK), a Chartered Engineer (CEng): Engineering Council (UK) and a Professional Engineer (PrEng): Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Prof. Odhiambo research interest is in Computer Systems Architecture, Intelligent Agents, Communication Systems Architecture, Electronic Systems and Devices, Process Control/Instrumentation, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence. Prof. Odhiambo has supervised 19 postgraduate students to completion and 75 Book/Book chapter/journal/conference publications.
Matthew Sibanda holds a BEng honours degree in Electronic Engineering from the National University of Science and Technology (Zimbabwe), an MTech degree in Electrical Engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and MSc in Electronic & Electrical Systems from ESIEE, Paris through the F'SATI collaboration. At present he is a Lecturer at Mangosuthu University of Technology and a PhD Computer Engineering student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
