Superstaticlogilcsensoraliocious or Automation---Where Next?

The author's prognostication of changes in the automation concept of the cement industry is as follows: 1) The total picture will include direct digital control with a computer operating final control devices directly and with manual backup instruments only. 2) It will include solid-state logic control elements which will replace the electro-mechanical relays conventionally used and will combine with the computer to share the logic chore. 3) The means of communication and control between the central control room and remote motor-control centers and process control devices will be by supervisory control and telemetering systems operating over a handful of two-conductor cables which will replace the myriad of control wires presently required. 4) Static ac motor controllers will completely revolutionize the present concept of motor-control centers by elimination of the magnetic contactor. 5) Sensors not in contact with the process material will have digital outputs, whereas the final control elements will be of the digital type and operated directly by the computer.