automation
Machines replacing workers
Automation is the use of machines, computers, or technology to perform tasks with minimal human involvement.
What once required hands now requires only switches, sensors, or software.
Factory automation replaced assembly-line workers; home automation lets you control lights and thermostats from your phone.
The word often surfaces in debates about jobs: Automation threatens to eliminate millions of positions in the service sector.
To automate a process is to convert it from manual to automatic operation.
Programmable automated machine
- robotic armMotorized jointed machine appendage
- manipulatorOne who controls cunningly
- gripperDevice that grasps firmly
- actuatorDevice producing controlled motion
servo · sensor · kinematics · mechatronics · humanoid · android · locomotion · articulation
Sequential workstation manufacturing
- manufacturingIndustrial product creation
- factoryIndustrial production facility
- mass productionLarge-scale standardized fabrication
- conveyorMechanism that transports items
PLC · CNC · mechanization · production line · quality control · packaging · bottling · stamping
Making more aerodynamic or efficient
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- productivityOutput relative to input
- speedRate of motion
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
consistency · reliability · scalability · cost reduction · throughput · uptime · labor-saving · time-saving
Algorithms that improve from data
- artificial intelligenceMachines mimicking human thought
- neural networkInterconnected computational nodes mimicking cognition
- deep learningLayered neural network methods
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
computer vision · natural language processing · pattern recognition · chatbot · virtual assistant · speech recognition · facial recognition · expert system
Sequential task progression
- business processCoordinated tasks for objectives
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
- integrationCombining into a whole
- ERPIntegrated business management software
outsourcing · offshoring · digital transformation · process improvement · reengineering · systematization · data entry · scheduling
Dwelling with integrated automation
- thermostatAutomatic climate control device
- smart lightingRemotely adjustable illumination system
- voice controlDevice operation via speech
- smart lockApp-operated door mechanism
sprinkler system · garage door · smart appliance · scheduled · timer · motion sensor · security system · climate control
robot
Programmable automated machine
- robotic armMotorized jointed machine appendage
- manipulatorOne who controls cunningly
- gripperDevice that grasps firmly
actuator · servo · sensor · kinematics · mechatronics · humanoid · android · locomotion · articulation · firmware
assembly line
Sequential workstation manufacturing
- manufacturingIndustrial product creation
- factoryIndustrial production facility
- mass productionLarge-scale standardized fabrication
conveyor · PLC · CNC · mechanization · production line · quality control · packaging · bottling · stamping · batch processing
streamlining
Making more aerodynamic or efficient
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- productivityOutput relative to input
- speedRate of motion
precision · consistency · reliability · scalability · cost reduction · throughput · uptime · labor-saving · time-saving · hands-free
machine learning
Algorithms that improve from data
- artificial intelligenceMachines mimicking human thought
- neural networkInterconnected computational nodes mimicking cognition
- deep learningLayered neural network methods
algorithm · computer vision · natural language processing · pattern recognition · chatbot · virtual assistant · speech recognition · facial recognition · expert system · self-driving
workflow
Sequential task progression
- business processCoordinated tasks for objectives
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
- integrationCombining into a whole
ERP · outsourcing · offshoring · digital transformation · process improvement · reengineering · systematization · data entry · scheduling
smart home
Dwelling with integrated automation
- thermostatAutomatic climate control device
- smart lightingRemotely adjustable illumination system
- voice controlDevice operation via speech
smart lock · sprinkler system · garage door · smart appliance · scheduled · timer · motion sensor · security system · climate control · blinds
- Auto- wordsautomobile, autopilot, autocorrect, autobiography, autograph
- cost cuttingcost cutting, budgeting, cost reduction, budget, budget cuts
- email marketingemail campaign, newsletter, email list, subscribers, email blast
- engineering solutionsbridge design, dam construction, filtration system, drainage system, ventilation
- Industrial Growthmachinery, assembly lines, mass production, industrial parks, industrial zones
- Megatrendsclimate change, globalization, digitalization, AI, decarbonization
automationmanual labor
Work done bodily
manual work · handwork · manual operation · handicraft · handiwork
automationmanual control
Human-directed action
human oversight · discretion · human agency · improvisation · intuition
- automatic doorsEntrances operating without manual effort
- automatic transmissionSelf-changing vehicle gears
- automatic weaponsSelf-cycling firearms
- automatic pilotSelf-guiding navigation system
- automatic response
- automatic rifleSelf-reloading rapid-fire gun