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Automation

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Automation is the technology by which a process or procedure is performed with minimal human assistance.[1][2] While often involving machinery, software, or robotics, the core concept is reducing the need for direct human intervention in tasks ranging from simple operations to complex decision-making processes. It is closely related to, but generally implies more complexity and self-governance than, simple Mechanisation, which primarily focuses on replacing human labor with machines.[2]

Techopedia defines automation as "the creation of technology and its application in order to control and monitor the production and delivery of various goods and services."[1] Encyclopædia Britannica elaborates that automation "generally implies the integration of machines into a self-governing system."[2] Conceptually, it can sometimes be compared to outsourcing, where tasks are handled by others with minimal direct input after an initial agreement or instruction, achieving a result "automatically" through social or economic mechanisms.[3]

Levels of Automation[]

Automation systems can vary significantly in complexity and capability:

  • Automatic systems typically handle simple, often binary (Yes/No), tasks based on predefined triggers or conditions.
  • Automated systems can manage more complex sequences of tasks but usually operate within relatively structured and predictable environments.
  • Autonomous systems are designed to perform complex tasks in unstructured, dynamic environments with minimal or no human guidance after initial setup or goal-setting.[4]

Historical Background[]

While the term "automation" is modern, the concept of using machines to reduce human labor is ancient.

  • Water wheels were used in the Roman period for tasks like grinding grain and lifting irrigation water.[5]
  • Water-powered bellows were employed in blast furnaces in China as early as 31 AD.[6]

Applications[]

Automation is implemented across numerous sectors:

  • Manufacturing: Robotics, assembly lines, quality control systems.
  • Transport: Autopilots in aircraft, automated train systems, advancements in autonomous vehicles.
  • Utilities: Power grid management, water treatment plant controls.
  • Defense: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), automated threat detection systems.
  • Facilities Management: Automated climate control (HVAC), security systems.
  • Operations & Logistics: Warehouse automation (robots, conveyor systems), automated scheduling.
  • Information Technology (IT): Server management, software deployment, automated testing, cybersecurity responses.[7]

Government and Administration[]

Automation plays an increasing role in public sector operations. Government organizations utilize it to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and communication.[8] Research has highlighted a gap between current public service delivery and the potential offered by digital transformation through automation.[9] Examples include:

  • Digitizing and automating requests for public records using modern forms and workflow logic, reducing processing time and improving citizen convenience.[8]
  • Automating incident response processes to better coordinate multiple departments and agencies, prioritize actions based on severity, and facilitate faster data capture from the field via mobile devices.[8]
  • Streamlining internal processes and communications.

Impact and Considerations[]

Automation has profoundly affected modern life, bringing significant benefits in efficiency, productivity, safety, and enabling tasks previously impossible.[2] However, it also raises significant societal questions, particularly regarding its impact on employment. Concerns exist that widespread automation, even in service sectors like cafes employing robotic baristas, could displace human workers.[10] The potential for an Automation crisis and ethical considerations, such as Automated racism (bias embedded in automated systems), are ongoing areas of discussion and research.

Etymology[]

The term automation was coined in the manufacturing sense around 1948 by Ford Motor Company Vice President Delmar S. Harder, derived from automatic + -ion. An earlier related term, automatism (1838), referred to the quality of being automatic in the classical sense.[11]

Media[]

  • Macy, Jr., J. W. (1966, July 23). Automatic Government. Saturday Review.
  • Witt, S. (2018, November 7). Improving Process in Government Organizations Through Automation. Nintex Blog.

See Also[]

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Techopedia. (Date). Definition - What does Automation mean?. Retrieved from [URL]
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Groover, M. P. (Date). Automation. In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from [URL]
  3. ↑ Author/Source discussing conceptual parallels if available, otherwise remove or note as analogy.
  4. ↑ Duffy, R. (Source details: e.g., Publication Title, Date, Page number, URL).
  5. ↑ Author. (Year). Title of historical source on technology. Publisher.
  6. ↑ Needham, J. (Year). Science and Civilisation in China, Volume X. Cambridge University Press.
  7. ↑ Techopedia. (Date). Definition - What does Automation mean?. Retrieved from [URL]
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Witt, S. (2018, November 7). Improving Process in Government Organizations Through Automation. Nintex Blog. Retrieved from [URL]
  9. ↑ Source for 2017 research on digital gap in government. (Year). Report Title. Publisher/Organization.
  10. ↑ Source for Business Insider quote. (2018). Article Title. Business Insider.
  11. ↑ Harper, D. (n.d.). Automation. In Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved December 25, 2019, from https://www.etymonline.com/word/automation#etymonline_v_26763
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