ABSTRACT
Many of the products involve some level of automated devices, such as most electronic devices, appliances, and even toys. Also, almost all of the current products are manufactured using automated processes, that is, automation. The basic elements of an automated system consist of the machine instructions or codes and the machines themselves. The chapter summarizes basic elements and their selections for prototyping purpose. There are four basic elements in an automated system. The first element includes the actuators that conduct the movement of the system. The second element includes the sensors that monitor the environment for action. The third element involves the controller. The final element is the mechanical system or mechanism. These mechanisms or components are used with actuators and drives to perform specific tasks. Mechanisms can transform motion like making rotary motion into linear motion, linear into the rotary, transfer rotary motion, and create oscillatory, intermittent, and irregular motion.
