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Why can automated equipment require a large initial investment and more maintenance?

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Jacquard loom engraving, 1874 — automation At the top of the machine is a stack of punched cards that would be fed into the loom to control the weaving pattern. This method of automatically issuing machine instructions was employed by computers well into the 20th century.

Automated equipment often requires a significant initial investment because it involves complex, specialized hardware and control systems designed for high-volume or high-precision production. In the case of "fixed" or "hard" automation, the sequence of operations is physically built into the machine configuration through components like cams, gears, and intricate wiring, which are costly to design and install.12

Regarding maintenance, automated systems—particularly those involving robotics—require human oversight to ensure ongoing productivity. Because these machines are sensitive to variations in the objects they handle, they often require technical support to maintain their accuracy and function. Furthermore, while programmable automation allows for batch production, it necessitates periodic reprogramming and equipment changeovers. This process creates nonproductive downtime, which is inherently expensive, and requires skilled personnel to manage the computer programs and hardware adjustments necessary to keep the system operational and efficient.12