Intented as a `primer' in manufacturing systems, this book concentrates primarily on the technology that is applied on the shop floor to automate the manufacturing process. Modern automation techniques are placed in the context of manufacturing systems approaches and more traditional production engineering approaches. This edition has been updated with new material including sample course work, examination questions and a comprehensively revised reading list. It provides a clear account of steps to automation and covers all the essential aspects of principle and application in an accessible way.