Magazine article from our research archive:

The Roots of Process Automation

The potential for process automation was recognized very early in the digital computer era. In 1949, a group of researchers at MTTs Lincoln Laboratory, including a future president of ISA (Ty Marcy, 1972), predicted that digital computers had a role to play in optimizing the control of industrial processes. In a 1952 paper presented at ASME's annual meeting, Long and Holzmann of Shell Development wrote:

...In the process plants of today, human operators perform the functions of pilot and navigator. But faster aircraft and faster processes alike increasingly strain and eventually out-run the ability of the human brain to react and initiate corrective action when changing conditions ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

See all results. Or, try our Advanced Search.

Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 60 million articles! Access over 3,500 publications with a FREE trial!