AUTOMATION:
Automation is the art of making processes or machines self-acting or self-moving. Also pertains to the technique of making a device, machine, process or procedure more fully automatic. Automation is usually characterized by two major principles: (1) mechanization. i.e. machines are self-regulated so as to meet predetermined requirements (a simple example of self-regulation can be found in the operation of a thermostatically controlled furnace); (2) continuous process, i.e. production facilities are linked together, thereby integrating several separate elements of productive process into a unified whole.
Automation includes the implementation of processes by automatic means; the theory, art or technique of making a process more automatic; the investigation, design, development and application of methods for rendering processes automatic, self-moving or self-controlling; the conversion of a procedure, a process or equipment to automatic operation.
An example is electronic design automation (EDA), which is the category of tools for designing and producing electronic systems ranging from printed circuit boards (PCBs) to integrated circuits. This is sometimes referred to as ECAD (electronic computer-aided design).