6.1 Introduction

The word automation, which comes from Greek, is a combination of auto, self , and matos, willing , and means something that acts by itself or of itself. This is almost identical to the modern usage where automatic means something that is self-regulating or something that acts or operates in a manner determined by external influences or conditions but which is essentially independent of external control, such as an automatic light switch. The following quotes illustrate the various modern meanings of the term:

Automation is defined as the technology concerned with the application of complex mechanical, electronic and computer based systems in the operation and control of production.

([1], p. 631)

Automation as used in the ATA Human Factors Task Force report in 1989 refers to a system or method in which many of the processes of production are automatically performed or controlled by self-operating machines, electronic devices, etc.

([2], p. 7)

We define automation as the execution by a machine agent (usually a computer) of a function that was previously carried out by a human.

([3], p. 231)

Automation is often spoken of as if it was just a technology and therefore mainly an engineering concern. Automation is, however, also an approach to work and therefore represents a socio-technical intervention that needs careful consideration. In order to understand how automation relates to human work, it is useful to consider two simple examples, both taken from the history of technology rather than the present day.