Automatisierungspyramide

Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. It encompasses mechanical devices, control systems, software, and increasingly connected networks that monitor, control, or automate processes across industries. Automation aims to increase efficiency, accuracy, safety, and consistency.

The concept emerged during the Industrial Revolution with mechanization, followed by the use of programmable control systems such as PLCs in the mid-20th century. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw software-driven automation, including workflow automation, enterprise resource planning, robotic process automation, and autonomous robotics, enabled by advances in sensors, connectivity, and artificial intelligence.

Common domains include industrial automation (robotic arms, PLCs, SCADA), process automation (DCS, SCADA), IT and software automation (RPA, CI/CD, test automation), and home or consumer automation (smart devices). Benefits include increased productivity, reduced human error, consistent quality, and improved safety. Costs include capital expenditure, maintenance, and potential job displacement; security and resilience concerns are also central as systems become more interconnected.

Standards and governance focus on safety, interoperability, and data protection. Notable frameworks cover safety (IEC 61508, ISO 13849), quality (ISO 9001), and cybersecurity (IEC 62443). The trajectory of automation emphasizes integration with data analytics, AI, and edge computing, enabling more adaptive and intelligent systems while raising considerations about workforce impact and governance.