automation

Everyday

1. Using machines and computers to do work by themselves, without people doing each step. tree →
2. The system or machines that do this work. tree →

In the lessons

In science, computing and design lessons it describes robots in factories, self-service tills, automatic doors and programs that repeat tasks. In everyday talk and the news it often comes up with jobs, because automation can replace some jobs and create others. Common phrases: "factory automation", "home automation", "due to automation".

Examples

• Automation means robots can build cars in a factory. tree →
• The car wash uses automation, so nobody scrubs the cars by hand. tree →
• Some jobs disappeared because of automation. tree →
• Home automation can switch the lights on when you come in. tree →
• Our coding club learned about automation with a simple program. tree →
• Automation makes the work faster but needs people to fix the machines. tree →
• Dad says automation at the supermarket means fewer cashiers. tree →

Note

Uncountable: "automation", not "an automation". The verb is "automate", the adjective is "automatic". Automation is not the same as artificial intelligence: many automatic machines just follow fixed steps.