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the technique, method, or system of operating or controlling a process by highly automatic means, as by electronic devices, reducing human intervention to a minimum.
a mechanical device, operated electronically, that functions automatically, without continuous input from an operator.
act or process of automating.
the state of being automated.
Contemporary Examples

Beyond doubt, the steady advance of automation on airplane flight decks has greatly helped to reduce accidents.
2010’s Unsafe Skies Clive Irving December 29, 2010

Heroin blocks this automation so that when you fall asleep, you stop breathing.
Heroin: America’s Silent Assassin Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD, Robert M. Lober, MD, PhD February 2, 2014

Historical Examples

automation at its ultimate, not even the steward department had tasks adequately to fill the hours.
Adaptation Dallas McCord Reynolds

He complained of segregation and unemployment, and automation in the United States.
Warren Commission (1 of 26): Hearings Vol. I (of 15) The President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

automation or not, Leoh thought smilingly, there were certain human values that transcended mere efficiency.
The Dueling Machine Benjamin William Bova

automation, the second industrial revolution, has eliminated for all practical purposes the need for their labor.
Mercenary Dallas McCord Reynolds

Once integrated in practical experiences of a different nature, such as those of automation, they all allow for a new dynamics.
The Civilization of Illiteracy Mihai Nadin

He said “No, we got automation here, we are taking too much business in so we have to let you go.”
Warren Commission (6 of 26): Hearings Vol. VI (of 15) The President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

I eased through the back door, heard our automation equipment humming.
Question of Comfort Les Collins

Strong emphasis was placed on the introduction of automation in both production and management processes.
Area Handbook for Bulgaria Eugene K. Keefe, Violeta D. Baluyut, William Giloane, Anne K. Long, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole

noun
the use of methods for controlling industrial processes automatically, esp by electronically controlled systems, often reducing manpower
the extent to which a process is so controlled
n.

1948, in the manufacturing sense, coined by Ford Motor Co. Vice President Delmar S. Harder, from automatic + -ion. Earlier (1838) was automatism, which meant “quality of being automatic” in the classical sense.

Automatic, as opposed to human, operation or control of a process, equipment or a system; or the techniques and equipment used to achieve this. Most often applied to computer (or at least electronic) control of a manufacturing process.
See also design automation, office automation, manularity, Manufacturing Automation Protocol, PEARL, QBE.
(1994-10-21)