What is physical automation?

Definition

Physical automation combines machinery, sensors, software and control to perform real-world tasks. Industrial robots, autonomous mobile systems and some humanoid robots are examples when they manipulate objects or move through environments.

Physical consequences make safety, reliability and recovery central. A software error can damage equipment or injure people, so deployment needs bounded operating conditions, testing, monitoring and clear human authority.

Acronyms and aliases

embodied automation synonymphysical-world automation synonym

Frequently asked questions

How is physical automation different from software automation?

Physical automation moves or changes real objects, while software automation primarily acts on digital information and systems.

What does AI add to physical automation?

AI can improve perception, planning, adaptation and natural interaction in environments that are difficult to preprogram fully.

Videos explaining physical automation