The widespread use of self-regulating 
machines in industry. Automation involves 
the addition of control devices, using 
electronic sensing and computing techniques,
which often follow the pattern of human 
nervous and brain functions, to already
mechanized physical processes of production
and distribution; for example, steel 
processing, mining, chemical production, and
road, rail, and air control. The term was
coined by US business consultant John 
Diebold.  Automation builds on the process of
mechanization to improve manufacturing
efficiency.

Subject by: Russell Webb