Devices called __________ often serve as the brains of an automated machine.

Devices that serve as the brains of an automated machine are typically referred to as relays. Relays are electrical switches that use an electromagnet to open or close circuits. They are crucial in controlling larger loads and operations in automated systems. By interpreting signals from sensors or controllers, relays activate or deactivated components like motors or valves, facilitating the automation process. They enable complex sequencing and control functions, allowing machines to operate efficiently and effectively with minimal human intervention.

In contrast, switches are devices that simply open or close a circuit without the decision-making capability that relays provide. Latches are types of switches that maintain their state after being activated, but they do not perform the same control or processing functions as relays. Power supplies provide the necessary energy to machines but do not serve any control or decision-making roles in automation. Thus, relays, with their ability to control and respond to electrical signals, play a central role in the operation of automated systems, fulfilling the role of the "brains" of the machine.