The Best Books On Automation.

Automation books cover the use of automation systems and processes in various industries and applications. These books may discuss the topics and implementation of automated systems, automation testing, the benefits and challenges of automation, and best practices for using automation effectively. Automation books may be geared toward a specific industry or application, such as manufacturing, transportation, or information technology. They may also provide a general overview of automation concepts and techniques.

What are automation books?

The editors at Finding Automation have compiled a list of the top automation books for you based on many factors that have value, especially for business professionals in the automation industry. With the automation industry constantly changing rapidly, keeping up with best practices and the latest trends can be difficult. While there are many free online resources to improve your automation expertise, sometimes the best method is to read a good book.

Knowing our automation audience, we have compiled a great list of automation books to read. The books range from beginner to advanced learners with authors with profound background knowledge in the automation areas they are writing. If you have a specific need or interest in learning about automation, then an automation book might be a good resource for you!

AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future

Kindle - $9.99 / Hardcover $20.99 / Paperback $19.89

About this book:

Published in 2021, this book talks about how artificial intelligence will change the world within twenty years. AI is going to be the defining development of the 21st century. Lee and Qiufan believe that many aspects of current human life will be unrecognizable in two decades.

AI will be able to generate unprecedented wealth, create new ways of communicating, revolutionize medicine, change entertainment and help education. AI will liberate humans from monotonous work with its deep learning capabilities, but it will modify the social and economic systems. AI will also have risks like weaponry and intelligent automation technology that can surpass human knowledge. It has reached a critical juncture, and people must be aware of artificial intelligence’s potential benefits and risks it presents to society as it currently exists.

In this book, the authors wrote ten short stories imagining our world in 2041 and how AI systems will shape everyday life. Below we list some of the short stories written in this book:

• San Francisco is having a job relocation crisis.
• A fan in Tokyo is engrossed with celebrity worship in virtual reality.
• In Mumbai, a teenager rebels against artificial intelligence when it gets in the way of her romance.
• A revenge plot in Munich when a rogue scientist uses quantum computing AI technology.

About the Authors:

DR. KAI-FU LEE is the CEO and chairman of Sinovation Ventures, a techy-savvy investment group focused on creating the next generation of high-tech Chinese companies. He holds his Ph.D. in computer science from Carnegie Mellion University. Before establishing Sinovation in 2009, Dr. Lee held multiple senior executive-level positions at Google, Microsoft, SGI, and Apple. In 2013, he was selected by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and he holds multiple US patents and has written over 100 journal and conference papers.

Chen Quifan is a fiction writer, screenwriter, and columnist. His futuristic writings can be found on Slate and XPRIZE. He has generated numerous awards in Taiwan and China. He formerly worked at Google and with a VR/Mocap leading startup technology company for over ten years. He runs Thema Mundi Studio and is a big promoter of technology trends globally.

Control Systems for Complete Idiots

Kindle - $5.00 / Paperback $17.00

About this book:

This book was written in 2019 by Dave Smith and is a part of a 5-book series called Electrical Engineering for Complete Idiots. Control systems automate many technologies, from home appliances to self-driving cars. The concept of control systems also exists in nature, such as in regulating blood sugar from the pancreas.

From an engineering perspective, understanding the analysis and design methods of control systems is crucial, as it is a subject that applies to various branches of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, electronics, and civil engineering. This book briefly introduces classical control theory, with minimal math and real-life examples used to explain fundamental concepts intuitively.

This controls book is meant to serve as an introductory text for beginners and is not intended to replace standard control systems textbooks. Instead, it is meant to inspire learning control systems in greater depth.

About the Author:

Little is known of this author. Read other books written by Dave Smith here.

Practical Robotics in C++: Build and Program Real Autonomous Robots Using Raspberry Pi

Kindle - $9.95 / Paperback $31.85

About this book:

This book is written by Lloyd Brombach and teaches readers how to program and build autonomous robots. Practical Robotics in C++ is a complete guide to robotics, covering everything from setting up a computer as a robot controller to powering wheel motors. The book provides hands-on knowledge of electronics, hardware, and software required to build a mobile robot platform.

You will learn how to use sensors to detect obstacles, how to have your robot create a map and navigate with obstacle avoidance, and how to structure your existing code for modularity and reusability in other robotic projects. The book includes demonstrations of complete robotic coding using clear and straightforward C++ programming. The book's key features include simplified coverage of the fundamentals of building a robot platform, learning to program Raspberry Pi for interacting with hardware, and cutting-edge coverage on autonomous motion, mapping, and path-planning algorithms for advanced robotics.

Additionally, you will discover how to use the Raspberry Pi GPIO pins and existing libraries to create a powerful machine on an affordable computer platform.

About the Author:

Lloyd Brombach is a skilled controls engineer and programmer with a deep passion for electronics and robotics. He has vast experience in the field, having participated in numerous robotics events, including the NASA-funded 2007 Lunar Regolith Excavation Challenge and the 27th Intelligent Ground Vehicle Challenge. Lloyd is dedicated to advancing the field of robotics and to developing technologies that will benefit future generations of roboticists.

An Introduction to the Wonderful World of Robotics - Science Book for Kids | Children's Science Education Books

Kindle - $2.99 / Paperback $12.23

About this book:

Written in 2017, this book is authored by Baby Professor. This book is an introduction to the robotic process specifically geared towards children, aimed at teaching them about the basics of robotics and how robots work. It is intended to be an educational resource for kids in a fun and engaging way.

About the Author:

Baby Professor has a collection of educational books for children to teach them how something is done or learn how it came about. Baby Professor is a great way for kids to learn with great visuals and explanations. Their motto is, "Learning is fun, so let's make it fun to learn." 

Industrial Robotics Control: Mathematical Models, Software Architecture, and Electronics Design

Kindle - $13.50-33.99 / Paperback $45.71

About this book:

Published in December of 2022, this book is for robotics engineers and engineering students who aim to gain a deeper understanding of the control of robotics arms, including the kinematic models of their axes and the electronic commutation of their motors. Basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra is required to comprehend the geometrical framework, while knowledge of electronics fundamentals can aid in understanding the circuit design.

This book teaches readers how to build a complete control system for industrial robots from an automation engineer's perspective. It covers the theory and practical tips needed to understand kinematics, trajectories, and motion control. Then it guides the readers on creating a circuit board to drive electric motors and move the robot.

After a thorough explanation of the theory, readers can apply what they've learned by programming control firmware for the robot. Each software component is thoroughly described, including the HMI, the interpreter of motion commands, and the servo loop controller at the core of each servo drive. The book also covers the commutation algorithm and servo loop controller for brushless synchronous motors, commonly used in robotic processes or applications. Additionally, readers will learn how to calibrate the robot, commission it for end-users, and design a digital twin to safely test and monitor the entire work cell in a simulated environment.

The book also covers the hardware aspects of building industrial robots, including selecting and using electric motors and encoders, constructing servo drives and motion controllers, and designing custom PCBs. The different electronic components and their application circuits are also analyzed, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each.

By the end of the book, readers should be able to design and build electronic boards and write firmware to control any industrial robotic process for various practical applications.

About the Author:

Fabrizio Frigeni is a multicultural entrepreneur, engineer, hobbyist, and teacher. From Italy, he holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the Polytechnic University of Milan and got his Master's degree in Laser Physics from the University of Illinois at Chicago, then received his doctoral degree from the Technical University of Dresden (Germany) in microelectronics.

Fabrizio gained extensive industrial automation experience in automation, robotics, computer vision, and machine learning during numerous assignments in Austria, Brazil, India, and China. He is currently based in Shanghai, where he manages local engineering teams. He has also started a company to consult, teach, and design control systems for smart machines and robots.

Raspberry Pi: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Setup, Programming (Concepts and techniques) and Developing Cool Raspberry Pi Projects

Kindle - $3.99 / Paperback $19.99

About this book:

Published in 2019, this is one of a three-book series written by author Joe Grant. This beginner-friendly book offers readers the following:

• The ability to set up their own Raspberry Pi and learn how to establish and connect other devices to it.
• Knowledge of how to work with Linux and use basic commands.
• Introduction to programming with Python, a widely-renowned language that is easy to learn yet versatile.
• Understanding of advanced concepts in object-oriented programming.
• Experience in creating fun projects such as web crawlers and weather stations.
• Opportunities to expand their horizons and discover a wide range of possibilities.

All this knowledge is easy to learn and understand. Programming can be daunting, especially for beginners, but with the introduction of the Raspberry Pi, it has become more accessible and affordable. The Raspberry Pi, a small computer the size of a credit card, has sparked the growth of a new community of enthusiasts.

This straightforward and easy-to-follow guide allows aspiring programmers to learn the craft without feeling overwhelmed and create incredible gadgets and advanced robots. Learn why the Raspberry Pi, which has sold millions of units, is so popular with this beginner's guide on setting it up, programming, and creating cool projects. And the best part is, it's as easy as pie!

About the Author:

Find more books by Joe Grant here.

Learning RSLogix 5000 Programming: Build robust PLC solutions with ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000, 2nd Edition

Kindle - $17.84 / Paperback $41.99

About this book:

Published in 2020 by Austin Scott, this book does a deep dive into the Logix platform, Rockwell Automation technologies, and online resources. This book, "Learning RSLogix 5000 Programming," is for those who want to learn how to program programmable logic controllers (PLCs) using Rockwell Software's Logix Designer and Studio 5000 platform. This platform includes ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and SoftLogix. It is key to creating robust PLC solutions using the Rockwell Automation platforms.

The book covers the user-friendly IEC 61131-3 compliant interface of RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000's Logix Designer for programming the existing generation of Rockwell Automation Controllers, including Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, and Sequential Function Chart. This second edition also includes the latest features of Studio 5000, industrial networking, and cybersecurity best practices. It introduces the new L8 processor model and the latest Studio 5000 architecture. There is also an entirely new chapter on cybersecurity concepts with RSLogix 5000 and a hands-on project on building a robot bartender control system.

By the end of this Rockwell Automation book, readers will have a good understanding of the capabilities of the Logix platform and be able to navigate Rockwell Automation Literature Library resources confidently.

About the Author:

Austin Scott started his career in software development in the early 2000s working at Schneider Electric on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) products. In 2006, Austin launched an ICS cybersecurity consulting company in Calgary, Alberta, Canada called Synergist SCADA Inc. Austin has extensive experience in industrial automation and software testing, having completed numerous large-scale, high-profile projects across North America and the globe using a variety of SCADA platforms.

PLC and HMI Development with Siemens TIA Portal: Develop PLC and HMI programs using standard methods and structured approaches with TIA Portal V17

Kindle - $37.49 / Paperback $59.99

About this book:

Published in April of 2022, created for PLC programmers who use Siemens TIA Portal. This learning environment is increasingly essential for automation engineers due to the growing demand for automation. The TIA environment seamlessly integrates all aspects of automation, from designing PLC hardware and software to developing HMI. This book guides you in understanding the tools available within TIA and how to write code using them effectively.

The book introduces the reader to the TIA environment, including its layout and tools. Once familiar with the environment, the reader will learn how to create hardware and write programs, including adding IO modules and assigning memory for input and output. The reader will also develop logic using various languages supported by TIA Portal, such as Ladder, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text (SCL), and the latest language Cause and Effect (CEM) (noting that Condition List is not covered as it is deprecated). The book also covers storing standard code in libraries for easy management and standardization through version control. Finally, after the PLC design chapters, the reader will learn how to develop HMI applications in TIA Portal's latest unified hardware.

By the end of this Siemens book, the reader will be well-versed in using all of the features offered by TIA Portal V17.

About the Author:

Liam Bee started his automation career by maintaining PLCs and the equipment connected to them. He found early on in his career that he had an interest in automation and PLCs while trying to learn PLC programming outside of work and exposing himself to as much automation as possible.

Liam engrossed himself in Siemens SIMATIC Manager and TIA Portal. He has worked hard to understand Siemens tools, equipment, and development settings and shares that knowledge in this book.

AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

Kindle - $13.99 / Hardcover $23.00 / Paperback $10.99

About this book:

This book was written by Kai-Fu Lee and was published in 2018. It is one of the top-selling automation books on Amazon. In his thought-provoking book, Lee contends that the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence will bring about significant changes sooner than many anticipate. As the competition between the US and China in AI heats up, Lee stresses the importance for both nations to accept and embrace the responsibilities of this kind of technological power.

Experts have already noted the potential to disrupt blue-collar jobs, but Lee argues that artificial intelligence will also have a significant impact on white-collar jobs. He examines the possibility of universal basic income (UBI) as a solution and ultimately concludes that there may be other answers. Instead, Lee provides insight into the specific jobs that will be impacted by AI, how soon the changes will occur, and how artificial intelligence can improve specific jobs and offers suggestions for addressing some of the profound challenges that lie ahead in the evolution of human history.

About the Author:

DR. KAI-FU LEE is the CEO and chairman of Sinovation Ventures, a techy-savvy investment group focused on creating the next generation of high-tech Chinese companies. He holds his Ph.D. in computer science from Carnegie Mellion University. Before establishing Sinovation in 2009, Dr. Lee held multiple senior executive-level positions at Google, Microsoft, SGI, and Apple. In 2013, he was selected by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and he holds multiple US patents and has written over 100 journal and conference papers.

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