4 Manufacturing Automation Books for Beginners You Can Start Today

Olushola Akande draws on over a decade of hands-on experience in industrial automation and robotics to demystify complex concepts for newcomers. You’ll learn how to wire and program essential components like VFDs, PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, progressing from sensors and actuators to advanced process control and industrial networking protocols. The book breaks down these topics into digestible sections, such as detailed chapters on analog signal processing and communication standards like Modbus and PROFIBUS, making it an accessible entry point into manufacturing automation. If you're starting out in engineering or transitioning careers into automation, this guide offers practical insight without overwhelming technical jargon, though seasoned professionals may find it foundational rather than exhaustive.

Nicolas Sands and Ian Verhappen draw on decades of experience in automation and control systems to offer a broad yet approachable exploration of manufacturing automation. You’ll gain detailed knowledge across key areas like process instrumentation, control valves, digital communications, and safety protocols, presented by 38 experts who collectively cover the entire automation landscape. The book breaks down complex subjects such as advanced control and system integration, making it accessible for newcomers without sacrificing depth. Whether you're setting direction as a manager or building foundational skills as a student or technician, this guide provides clear insights into how automation technologies operate and interconnect within manufacturing environments.

This tailored book offers an inviting introduction to manufacturing automation, designed specifically to match your background and pace. It explores fundamental concepts progressively, helping you build confidence without overwhelm by focusing on the core elements that matter most to your learning journey. By addressing your specific goals and comfort level, this personalized guide reveals how automation components interconnect and function within industrial settings, making complex topics approachable and relevant. Through this tailored learning experience, you engage with foundational knowledge that grows with your skillset, ensuring every chapter feels accessible and rewarding.

While working as a technical writer, Evanh E. Young noticed how daunting PLC programming seemed to newcomers. This book breaks down the complex world of industrial automation into digestible lessons, starting with basics like ladder logic and data types before moving into timers, counters, and troubleshooting. You’ll find practical projects simulating real automation scenarios, giving you hands-on experience rather than just theory. It’s tailored for students, technicians, or engineers eager to build a solid foundation in PLCs without getting overwhelmed by jargon or assumptions.

Drawing from his deep involvement in industrial automation, Carl Keyness developed this book as a gateway for newcomers to robotics in manufacturing. You’ll explore foundational topics like industrial robotics basics, automation processes, and practical applications such as welding, painting, and quality control. The book’s chapter structure guides you through complex themes with clarity, from human-robot collaboration to future manufacturing trends. If you’re aiming to understand how robotics can optimize production lines, this book offers a clear, methodical introduction without overwhelming technical jargon.