Picture this: Automation has long been the unsung hero of engineering, often tucked away under other disciplines, but now it's stepping into the spotlight with a groundbreaking shift in how we share knowledge. That's right, the field that powers our modern world is finally getting recognized as a standalone profession. But here's where it gets intriguing – what if this change not only boosts education but also sparks debates about the future of energy and technology? Let's explore how one expert's journey highlights this evolution, and why it might just redefine how we think about automation.
Back when I was instructing automation at Yale University, my course fell under the umbrella of chemical engineering. Similarly, my automation handbooks, published by Chilton, were shelved alongside electrical engineering titles. This wasn't due to any resistance against automation as a profession; it simply reflected a lack of awareness that automation stood as its own distinct field. People just didn't realize it existed separately, often blending it into broader engineering categories. For beginners diving into this topic, think of it like how 'computer science' used to be lumped in with math or physics – it's innovative but sometimes overshadowed.
Fast-forward to August, when Rick Zabel, the managing director of publications at the International Society of Automation (ISA, a leading global organization dedicated to advancing automation standards and education at https://www.isa.org/), turned the tide. He revealed that starting in 2026, ISA textbooks designed for university use will be co-published with Wiley, a renowned publisher. Wiley will handle the organization, sales, and distribution of these books to university libraries, making them more accessible to students and educators alike. And get this – three of my earlier works will be among the first automation textbooks to benefit from this partnership in 2026.
Shaping tomorrow's energy: From oil to hydrogen
The first of these is a textbook that charts the transformation of our energy landscape from fossil fuels to renewables like solar and hydrogen (as illustrated in Figure 1). Over the next few decades, this shift will unfold gradually, with automation playing a pivotal role in making it happen smoothly. To keep things approachable for average students, the book discusses insights from advanced mathematical models but deliberately skips the heavy equations and derivations that could overwhelm readers. Instead, it focuses on practical applications, helping newcomers grasp concepts like how sensors and automated systems can optimize energy production without getting bogged down in calculus.
But here's the part most people miss – the book doesn't just celebrate progress; it tackles real-world hurdles we're encountering today. One major challenge is the unchecked explosion of artificial intelligence (AI), which is clashing with the harsh realities of our energy infrastructure. Our current electrical grid, outdated and insufficiently sized, simply can't keep up with the soaring power demands of proliferating AI data centers. This limitation could stall global AI advancements for years, delaying innovations in everything from medical diagnostics to autonomous vehicles. And this is where things get controversial: Is the AI revolution worth the environmental and economic costs of straining our grids? Critics might argue that prioritizing AI over grid upgrades neglects sustainable priorities, while supporters see it as essential for technological leaps. What do you think – should we prioritize AI's growth even if it means pushing our energy limits?
Upgrading the grid to handle all these data centers would be prohibitively expensive, so the book proposes an alternative: a new power distribution network that's scalable and adaptable. This network would carry hydrogen instead of electricity, offering massive energy storage for emergencies and the ability to convert sporadic renewables (like solar or wind) into steady power. Imagine hydrogen pipelines acting like a 'battery on steroids' – this isn't just theory; examples from countries experimenting with hydrogen economies, such as Japan's investments in fuel cell vehicles, show its potential. By detailing this, the text invites readers to consider if hydrogen could be the game-changer we need, or if traditional electricity grids still hold the edge. It's a bold counterpoint to conventional thinking, and I'd love to hear your take in the comments: Could hydrogen truly revolutionize energy, or are we underestimating the challenges?
Mastering process control and optimization
The second textbook in this co-publication lineup delves into diverse techniques for managing industrial processes, mirroring the content of the previous 4th edition (shown in Figure 2). It's all about how automation ensures efficiency, from refining chemicals to manufacturing goods, explained in a way that's easy for beginners to follow with real-world examples like optimizing a factory assembly line to reduce waste.
Exploring measurements and analysis
Rounding out the trio, the third book examines the myriad ways to measure and analyze industrial process properties, consistent with its 5th edition (depicted in Figure 3). Think of it as the toolkit for understanding what goes on under the hood – using sensors and data analysis to pinpoint issues before they escalate, with illustrations like monitoring air quality in a plant to prevent pollution.
In wrapping this up, it's clear that automation is no longer in the shadows; it's evolving with partnerships that make education more inclusive. Yet, as we ponder the energy shifts and AI dilemmas outlined here, it begs the question: Are we ready to embrace these changes, or do they raise red flags about sustainability and equity? Share your thoughts below – do you agree that hydrogen networks are the future, or should we focus on upgrading existing grids instead? Let's discuss!
