In a factory with roaring machines, a production line is running with unprecedented precision
and efficiency. Behind this, industrial automation engineers are silently weaving the neural
network of intelligent manufacturing. They are not only the applicators of technology, but also
the strategic designers who optimize the production process and enhance the overall efficiency.
With the wave of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing sweeping the world, the skills required
for this role are far from what they once were. So, to become an industrial automation engineer
who can master the future, what kind of skill system needs to be built?
First, a solid technical cornerstone: control theory and
electrical foundation
The soul of all automation systems is “control”. Therefore, automation engineers must have a deep
understanding of control theory, whether it is the classic PID control, or more advanced adaptive control,
fuzzy control, need to know. This determines whether they can design a stable, accurate control system,
so that the machine “obedient” to run.
This is complemented by a solid foundation in electrical engineering. Being able to read and design
electrical schematic diagrams and wiring diagrams, and being familiar with the selection and application
of key components such as low-voltage electrical appliances, sensors, inverters, servo drives, and so on,
are the basic skills of engineers. This is not only related to whether the system can be built, but also directly
related to the safety and reliability of the equipment. Strict adherence to electrical standards, is to protect
personal and equipment safety can not be exceeded red line.
Second, the ability to program: so that the machine has a “mind”
If the electrical hardware is an automated system of bones and muscles, then the software program is its
brain and nerves. Therefore, skilled programming ability is the core weapon of automation engineers.
1. PLC programming: Programmable Logic Controller is the core of the industrial field control equipment.
Proficiency in programming languages such as ladder diagram and structured text under IEC 61131-3 standard
is a necessary skill for every automation engineer. Being able to write efficient, stable and easy-to-maintain logic
control programs according to process requirements is a key indicator of their level.
2. Human-machine interface and configuration software: Engineers need to design intuitive and friendly monitoring
interface for operators. Skilled use of SCADA or HMI software for configuration development, equipment status
monitoring, data recording, alarm processing and other functions, so that people and machines can interact smoothly.
3. Robot Programming and Motion Control: With the popularization of industrial robots, the ability to program,
debug and maintain robots, and to realize complex trajectory planning and motion control has become a highly
valuable ability.
4. Intermediate Skills: Advanced Computer Languages and Databases When it is necessary to process more
complex data, implement algorithms, or integrate with upper-level information systems, mastery of advanced
languages such as Python and C#, as well as basic database operation skills, will give engineers wings and
enable them to solve more cutting-edge automation problems.
Third, system integration and network communication capabilities
Modern automation systems are by no means islands. Seamlessly connecting various brands of PLCs, robots,
vision systems, smart meters, etc. into a cohesive working whole is an important responsibility of automation
engineers. This requires engineers to have an in-depth understanding of industrial network communication
protocols such as Profinet, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/IP, OPC UA, and so on. They need to plan and configure
the entire industrial network like a network engineer to ensure real-time, reliable and secure data transmission.
Fourth, soft skills: beyond the core competitiveness of technology
Technical ability determines the lower limit of engineers, while soft skills determine the upper limit of their
development.
1. Powerful problem solving ability: the production site situation is ever-changing, troubleshooting is
commonplace. Engineers need to have clear logical thinking, be able to quickly locate the root cause of the
problem from the complicated phenomenon, and put forward effective solutions. This ability comes from
experience, but also from a calm mind and systematic analysis method.
2. Project management and communication coordination: automation projects often involve multiple
departments and suppliers. Engineers need to have a basic knowledge of project management and be able
to develop plans, control budgets and schedules. At the same time, excellent communication skills are
essential to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with mechanical engineers, electrical technicians,
line operators, and management to ensure that projects move forward smoothly.
3. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Automation technology is changing rapidly, with new hardware,
new software, and new ideas coming out all the time. Maintaining a strong sense of curiosity and strong
self-learning ability to actively track technology trends is the only way to avoid being eliminated by the times.
V. Expansion of vision: the integration of IT and OT
Future industrial automation engineers will increasingly need to break the boundaries of traditional operational
technology and understand information technology. Have an understanding of the basic concepts of industrial
Internet of Things, big data analytics, cloud computing and even artificial intelligence, and be able to think
about how to use these technologies to achieve predictive maintenance, energy efficiency optimization and
other higher-level value, such engineers will become the mainstay of the digital transformation of enterprises.
Conclusion
The skill map for industrial automation engineers is a dynamic map that needs to be continuously updated
and expanded. It requires practitioners to be experts in technology, generalists in process understanding,
and doers in communication and problem solving. Building up such a set of composite skills system can not
only help engineers stand firm in the era of intelligent manufacturing, but also enable them to truly become
the core force driving the future development of industry. There is no end to this learning road, but each step
of the climb will open up a broader world.