In this standard work, the automation technology is illustrated from a practical point of view with many examples and numerous pictures. Students of engineering sciences, as well as engineers and technicians in training and professional practice, are able to work independently on the state of the art. The additional or revised chapters on machine safety, safety in process engineering systems, explosion protection and configuration extend the book considerably. For almost every chapter there are comprehension questions and exercises, the solution of which is contained in the appendix. Programming exercises, which are provided free of charge online, make it possible to solve simple automation problems in a practical way. Content: introduction Measuring technology, setting technology controls automation components Practical control technology Examples of overriding requirements for automation components (safety in mechanical engineering and process engineering, explosion protection), Project planning (project implementation, R & I flow diagrams, equipment identification) Annex (ARW measures, adjustment rules, solutions)