This document discusses the components of an automation system. It describes automation as using technology to transfer production tasks from human operators to automated elements. The key components are sensors that detect inputs, actuators that produce outputs, and controller equipment like PLCs that receive sensor signals and direct actuators. Data acquisition involves measuring physical quantities with sensors and DAQ hardware, then monitoring and analyzing the digitized signals on a computer. Overall, an automation system automates processes by using sensors to detect conditions, controllers to direct actuators based on sensor inputs, and data acquisition to monitor and analyze the automated process.