autocrafting

Autocrafting is a system in which the production of items is automated by software or machinery, rather than performed entirely by hand. It relies on a catalog of recipes that specify the inputs required to produce a given item and the resulting output. A storage or inventory system supplies the necessary resources, and a crafting engine executes the recipes to generate items automatically, either on demand or according to a planned production schedule.

Core components typically include a recipe library, an inventory or logistics network, and a crafting module or machine that carries out the instructions. Many implementations manage the flow of materials by pulling inputs from storage and delivering outputs to a designated location, such as a workshop, chest, or factory line. Some designs require careful resource management to prevent deadlocks, while others use priority rules, batching, or recipe chaining to optimize production.

Autocrafting can be implemented in several ways. A simple approach performs on-demand crafting, producing an item when requested if sufficient resources exist. A more complex approach uses fully automated factories, where multiple machines operate in sequence and intermediates are transferred via conveyors, pipelines, or networks to sustain continuous production.

Benefits of autocrafting include reduced manual input, increased production speed, and the ability to scale output. Limitations involve upfront setup, maintenance of the automation system, and potential resource or scheduling constraints that can lead to bottlenecks. Autocrafting is a common feature in many construction, management, and industrial-style games, as well as in various modded or simulated environments.