Low-Cost Automation (popularly known as LCA) is the introduction of simple pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical devices into the existing production process or/and machinery, with a view to improving their productivity. These would also enable the operation of this equipment by even semi-skilled and unskilled labor, with a little training.
This will involve the use of standardized parts and devices to mechanize or automate machines, processes, and systems. LCA is a technology that creates some degree of automation around the existing equipment, tools, methods, people, etc, using mostly standard components available in the market with a low investment so that the payback period is short. The current financial crisis faced all over the world has posed tremendous challenges to the manufacturing organizations. Even at low volumes, and large variety, they have to be competitive with minimum investment. Low-cost automation can play an important role in this situation.
