automation

The word “automation” means using machines, computers, or other technology to do tasks that people used to do by hand. In plain terms, getting machines or software to do a job instead of a human doing it manually.

“Automation” is pronounced aw-tuh-MAY-shuhn (/ˌɔ.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “automation” used in a sentence: “The factory invested heavily in automation to speed up production.”

“Automation” is a noun.

The word “automation” dates back to around 1940. Built from automatic plus -ion; the word is credited to Ford executive Delmar S. Harder, who coined it in the 1940s to describe self-operating factory machinery.

“Automation” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Mechanization refers to replacing human or animal physical labor with machines, while automation goes further by using technology, including computers and software, to control and run processes with minimal human involvement. Automation often includes decision-making or monitoring functions that mechanization does not.

Automation is widely used in manufacturing, customer service, data processing, and logistics, wherever repetitive tasks previously done by hand can be handled by machines or software. It is used to increase speed, consistency, and efficiency.

Not necessarily. While automation can replace tasks people used to do by hand, it is often used to handle repetitive or time-consuming work so people can focus on tasks that require judgment or creativity.