I figure since we’re taking the journey of ‘My Automation Education’, talking about traveling is not too far off base. How does automation fit into our travel adventures? In more ways than you’d think. Just call me your automation Odysseus!

If you have been on the Euro Rail, a high-speed train in Asia, or even most modern commuter trains you have been surrounded by more automation than you may think. Automation is a key component of modern-day people movement – from walking sidewalks and escalators to train stations and freeway entrance controls.

Flipping through a brochure about Advantech industrial communication systems I saw many recognizable features from my commute. Driving around the western Chicago suburbs I am no further from the LED displays and automated toll booths of the I Pass tollways than I am from the wind turbine components and industrial switches with anti-electromagnetic-interface capability of North Central Illinois’ wind farms.

The automated ticket vendors and gate controls of the Chicago subway system are visible examples of the benefits of automation for commuters throughout the world. Even the “door closed” sensors on subway doors are automation. Automation is what allows cities like New York, Beijing, and London with massive populations to move commuters more efficiently and more cost effectively.

The new China High Speed Rail operators built a network of more than 308.1km of fiber optics along the wayside of 22 stations. The controllers in the network ensure non-stop operation. Advantech’s industrial Ethernet switches allow backup circuits to be established in just 10ms!

Automation is everywhere you travel, and Marshall Wolf Automation is everywhere your automation needs take you.

Another step on the path to Knowledgetown...keep following along on the journey to 'My Automation Education'!