Design-Based Safety

Cybernetics Automation Technology

Abstract

Cybernetics Automation Technology (CAT) is on the threshold of providing workerless mining, railroads, sawmills, ships, steel mills and all sorts of production facilities — maybe even management functions? The development of complex electronic control systems appears to be combining with machines to create automation that needs fewer people for normal operation. I wonder how many readers of this article are old enough to remember when elevators in department stores, public buildings, hotels and all multi-storied buildings were manned by human operators? How many devices in your home have automated your hand-labor functions? We take for granted the dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, personal computer, wireless telephone and email. There are clues all around us showing the alarming changes in our global economy.