automation
aw-tuh-MAY-shun
/ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃən/
The use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production process.
Implies the replacement of human labor with mechanical or electronic devices.
The story behind the word. Rooted in the Greek 'autos' (self) and 'matos' (thinking/acting). It describes a machine that seems to have a mind of its own, acting without needing a human to pull the levers.
Word relationships
- mechanization: Mechanization is the use of machines to assist humans; automation is the use of machines to replace human control.
- manual labor: Work done by hand without the use of automatic systems.
Commonly confused with
- autonomy: Autonomy is the right of self-government; automation is the process of making something automatic.
Word family
- automate (verb): To make a process automatic.
- automatic (adjective): Working by itself with little or no direct human control.
Collocations
- factory automation
- office automation
- full automation
- robotic automation
Example sentences
- "Automation is not a new phenomenon, but the speed at which AI is now replacing cognitive tasks is unprecedented." Discussing the future of work.
Memory hook
Auto (self) + Motion. The machine moves by itself. Automation = Automatic Action.
When not to use
Don't use for a person acting without thinking; use 'automatic' or 'habitual' instead.
Fun facts
- The word 'automation' was coined in the automobile industry around 1946 to describe the increased use of automatic devices in mechanized production lines.
Related words
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