programmable automation

Programmable automation is a type of manufacturing automation used for producing goods in batches, ranging from dozens to thousands of units. Unlike fixed automation, where the equipment configuration dictates the process, programmable automation requires the production equipment to be reprogrammed and reconfigured for each new batch of product. This reprogramming and changeover time leads to periods of nonproductive time between batches. Consequently, production rates are typically lower than with fixed automation, as the equipment is designed for flexibility in product changeover rather than specialization. A key example of programmable automation is a numerical-control machine tool, where a computer program stored in memory controls the machine for each different product style. Industrial robots also fall into this category.12