Automatic vs. Automation — What's the Difference?

Operating by itself with minimal human control.

The technique, method, or system of operating or controlling a process by highly automatic means.

Acting or done spontaneously or unconsciously.

The use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production processes.

Involving or relating to reflexes or reflex actions.

Technology by which a process or procedure is performed with minimal human assistance.

Having the capability to start, operate, move, etc., independently.

The state of being operated automatically.

Working by itself with little or no direct human control.

A method of controlling industrial processes by automatic means.

Acting or operating in a manner essentially independent of external influence or control

Automation describes a wide range of technologies that reduce human intervention in processes. Human intervention is reduced by predetermining decision criteria, subprocess relationships, and related actions — and embodying those predeterminations in machines.Automation, includes the use of various control systems for operating equipment such as machinery, processes in factories, boilers, and heat-treating ovens, switching on telephone networks, steering, and stabilization of ships, aircraft, and other applications and vehicles with reduced human intervention.Automation covers applications ranging from a household thermostat controlling a boiler, to a large industrial control system with tens of thousands of input measurements and output control signals.

Self-regulating

The automatic operation or control of equipment, a process, or a system.

Acting or done without volition or conscious control; involuntary

The techniques and equipment used to achieve automatic operation or control.

Acting or done as if by machine; mechanical

The condition of being automatically controlled or operated.

Capable of firing continuously until ammunition is exhausted or the trigger is released

The act or process of converting the controlling of a machine or device to a more automatic system, such as computer or electronic controls.

Semiautomatic

The act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology; usually involving electronic hardware;

An automatic machine or device.

The condition of being automatically operated or controlled;

An automatic firearm.

Equipment used to achieve automatic control or operation;

A semiautomatic firearm.

A transmission or a motor vehicle with an automatic gear-shifting mechanism.

(Football) See audible.

Capable of operating without external control or intervention.

Done out of habit or without conscious thought.

Necessary, inevitable, prescribed by logic, law, etc.

(of a firearm such as a machine gun) Firing continuously as long as the trigger is pressed until ammunition is exhausted.

(of a handgun) An autoloader; a semi-automatic or self-loading pistol, as opposed to a revolver or other manually actuated handgun, which fires one shot per pull of the trigger; distinct from machine guns.

Automatically added to and removed from the stack during the course of function calls.

Having one or more finite-state automata.

A car with automatic transmission.

A semi-automatic pistol.

Having an inherent power of action or motion.

Pertaining to, or produced by, an automaton; of the nature of an automaton; self-acting or self-regulating under fixed conditions; operating with minimal human intervention; - esp. applied to machinery or devices in which certain things formerly or usually done by hand are done by the machine or device itself; as, the automatic feed of a lathe; automatic gas lighting; an automatic engine or switch; an automatic mouse; an automatic transmission. The opposite of manual.

Not voluntary; not depending on the will; mechanical; controlled by the autonomic nervous system; without conscious control; as, automatic movements or functions. The opposite of voluntary.

Like the unthinking functioning of a machine.

Light machine gun.

A pistol that will keep firing until the ammunition is gone or the trigger is released; as, a .45 automatic.

Light machine gun

A pistol that will keep firing until the ammunition is gone or the trigger is released

Operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control;

Like the unthinking functioning of a machine;

Without volition or conscious control;

Automatic processes are important for tasks that require consistency, reliability, and efficiency, especially when the same operation needs to be repeated without variations.

Automatic refers to the ability of a process or machine to operate independently once started, while automation involves the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.

Yes, automation systems are generally more flexible because they can be reprogrammed or adjusted according to new requirements.

Automation significantly improves productivity by speeding up processes, reducing human error, and allowing human workers to focus on more complex tasks.

Examples include automatic doors, thermostats, and lighting systems.

Manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and healthcare are some sectors where automation is extensively used.

Yes, an automatic system can be a part of automation, but automation encompasses a broader range of technologies and applications.

Yes, automation can be applied in virtually any industry to improve efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.

Automation can lead to job displacement in certain sectors but also creates opportunities in areas requiring more complex skills.

Yes, automation systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different tasks or processes.

While they minimize the need for human intervention, some level of monitoring or setup is often required.

While initial costs can be high, automation can lead to long-term savings and increased efficiency.

Both can enhance quality control by ensuring tasks are performed consistently and accurately.

Yes, by handling dangerous tasks or processes, automation can significantly improve workplace safety.

Programming is crucial in automation as it allows the customization and control of automated processes.