Automaatust

Automaatust is the Estonian term for automation, the process of making systems operate automatically through control systems, sensors, actuators and software, thereby reducing or replacing human intervention. It covers industrial, process and information technology automation and aims to increase efficiency, reliability, safety and speed of operations.

The main components of automation include sensors that collect data, actuators that enact changes, and controllers such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or distributed control systems that run control logic. Software processes data, makes decisions, and coordinates actions, while human–machine interfaces allow people to monitor and adjust systems. Automation can be categorized as hard automation, which involves physical equipment designed to run with minimal human input, and soft automation, which automates business processes and software workflows.

Historically, automation evolved from basic mechanization and assembly lines to widespread use of PLCs in the 1960s, followed by distributed control systems and supervisory software. In recent decades, advances in AI, machine learning, robotics and cloud-based platforms have enabled more flexible and intelligent automated systems.

Applications of automaatust span manufacturing, energy and utilities, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and IT and business processes. The benefits typically include higher productivity, improved quality and safety, and faster decision cycles. Challenges include potential job displacement, the need for upskilling, interoperability across diverse systems, and concerns about cybersecurity and data governance. The field is expected to continue integrating AI, IoT and edge computing to enable more autonomous operations across sectors.