Industrial Process Automation

Industrial process automation is the use of data-driven control systems to manage industrial control processes that operate facilities and plants. 

Process automation applications continuously monitor and control systems. They automate monitoring processes that regulate pressure, temperature, and flows, for example —leading to increased operational efficiencies.

NAIT has expertise in the following areas:

  • microcontroller-based data acquisition systems design
  • remote data communications
  • custom cloud interfacing
  • data management
  • prototyping field deployable automated systems

Learn more about the NAIT applied research centres doing work in this area:

Prototype development

Prototypes are initial concepts or proof-of-concept samples developed to test a product or larger scale industry application prior to launch or commercialization.

Learn how NAIT works with companies to develop electronic, electro-mechanical and optoelectronic prototypes, or larger systems with multiple functional components.

Researchers transform pulp waste into industrial odour eater

Sensors, optics, and electronics

The integration of sensors allows the collection of data such as plant monitoring and predicting trends for optimal performance of the plant. These technologies enable automation. 

Automation is crucial in supporting economic success for an ever-growing number of businesses and industries. 

Learn how NAIT works with industry to develop solutions that support sensor system applications: 

  • sensor-based data acquisition 
  • control and system integration 
  • data archiving through cloud interfacing 
  • cloud computing 
  • data visualization 
  • data analytics  

Reclaiming the gas station

Internet of things (IoT) 

Internet of Things (IoT) provides real-time data collection and analysis. It builds on automation through exchange of data between numerous devices to further increase productivity and improve quality.  

IoT technology allows larger scale data acquisition and remote connectivity through low-footprint low-powered systems. Sensors are integrated into devices and can be controlled remotely. 

Applications include: 

  • large-scale mining operations  
  • pipeline networks 
  • agriculture operations 
  • home automation 
  • urban utilities 
  • environmental monitoring