Maskinsidan

Maskinsidan is a term used in engineering and production to denote the machine side of a system or process. It refers to the parts of the installation that are controlled, executed, or maintained by machinery and automation, including mechanical structures, drive and transmission systems, sensors, actuators, power electronics, controllers, and the software that coordinates machine operation. The term is often used to distinguish the machine-centric portion from the human-facing side (the user interface, operation planning, and manual procedures).

In practice, maskinsidan encompasses the hardware and software that enable automated production, robotics, CNC machines, and process control systems. Common components include PLCs or embedded controllers, industrial networks (such as fieldbuses or industrial Ethernet), safety systems, servo drives, CNC controllers, and HMI panels as part of the machine’s control layer. Design considerations on the maskinsidan emphasize reliability, maintainability, precision, speed, energy efficiency, and safety, with attention to calibration, fault tolerance, and protection against hazards in accordance with applicable standards.

The distinction between maskinsidan and människansidan—often translated as the human side—helps clarify responsibilities and aids risk assessment and system integration. It supports analyses of potential hazards focused on machine behavior, as opposed to human interaction with the system. In practice, both sides must be designed to work together safely and efficiently in automated environments.

See also: människansidan, industrial automation, safety engineering.