The Problem of Compatibility Between Military Equipment Design and Commercial Automation Techniques

The thesis is presented that standardization is the key to compatibility between military equipment design and commercial automation techniques. The definition of "automation", as authorized by the Electronic Industries Assn. (formerly RETMA) is given. The cognizant standardization organization, Panel "A" within EIA on Automation and Computers is described as consisting of seven main committees with most made up of several subcommittees. It is stated that technical representatives of non-member companies are invited to participate fully in the workS and coordination with IRE headquarters is noted. The first national standard for the Baudot Code is mentioned, and A-3's proposed specification "STANDARD DIMENSIONAL SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATION REQUIrEmeNTS" (covering modular hole spacing) is reproduced in its entirety. A few of the "new attacks,, on automation that Remington Rand has been developing, are pictured. A single drill head, a multiple drill head, and a componentparts insertion machine are shown, which operate on the "template programming" principle, using a pantograph-type mechanism. It is mentioned that the principle is adaptable to automatic programming if economically warranted. Reliability of both insertion and the product is discussed, and 99.6% is labeled as too low. An admonition is given to "KEEP IT SIMPLE," and emphasis is placed upon the importance of military feed-back from operational units in the field.