Automation
Meaning
The technology by which a process or procedure is performed without human assistance.
Origin
The term "automation" itself emerged in the mid-20th century, specifically coined by Ford Motor Company's engineering manager D.S. Harder around 1946. Ford was at the forefront of developing sophisticated transfer systems to move engine blocks through production stages, essentially "automating" the manufacturing process. While the idea of self-operating machines dates back to ancient times, Harder's term captured the burgeoning post-World War II industrial shift towards machines controlling entire sequences without human intervention, distinct from mere mechanization. It rapidly became a buzzword, signaling a new era of industrial efficiency and sparking both excitement and widespread debate about the future of work.
Examples
- The factory implemented extensive automation, significantly increasing its production efficiency.
- The rise of automation in the service sector has led to debates about job displacement.