Definition

1. Noun:
   • The use of machines and technology to perform tasks without human intervention: "Automation" refers to the technology by which a process or procedure is performed with minimal human assistance.
   • The condition of being automatically controlled or operated: "Automation" can describe the state where systems function on their own.
   • The act of implementing automatic control: "Automation" is the process of introducing technology to control equipment and processes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The company invested heavily in automation to improve efficiency.
  • Increased automation in the car factory has changed the nature of the jobs there.
  • This level of automation allows the system to run 24 hours a day.

Advanced Usage

• "degree of automation": the extent to which a process is automated.
  • The degree of automation in modern aircraft is very high.
• "to achieve automation": to successfully implement automatic control.
  • The goal of the project is to achieve full automation of the assembly line.

Variants and Related Words

• Automate (verb): to convert a process to be operated by automatic equipment.
  • The bank plans to automate its check processing.
• Automated (adjective): operated by automation.
  • We have an automated phone system for customer service.
• Automatic (adjective): working by itself with little or no direct human control.
  • The doors are automatic.

Synonyms

• Mechanization: The process of changing from working largely or exclusively by hand to using machinery. (Note: Often used interchangeably with "automation," though "mechanization" can imply less sophistication.)
• Computerization: The adaptation of a process, system, or equipment to be controlled by computer.

Related Phrases

• Industrial automation: The use of control systems, such as computers or robots, for handling different processes and machinery in an industry.
  • His expertise is in the field of industrial automation.
• Office automation: The use of computer systems to execute a variety of office operations.
  • The introduction of office automation software has streamlined our workflow.

Noun

1. equipment used to achieve automatic control or operation
   • this factory floor is a showcase for automation and robotic equipment
2. the condition of being automatically operated or controlled
   • automation increases productivity
3. the act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology; usually involving electronic hardware
   • automation replaces human workers by machines