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What is automation, and how does it impact industry?

Automation is the use of modern technologies, control systems, and software to execute processes and control machines with minimal or no human intervention. In practice, this means that routine, dangerous, or highly precise tasks are taken over by machines and computers, which leads to a huge increase in efficiency, a reduction in error rates, and the optimization of operating costs [1].

16. června 2026

What is the difference between automation and mechanization?

These two terms are often confused, although they represent two different phases of industrial development:

  • Mechanization means that people are provided with machines that help them with physical work (replacing human muscle power). However, the machine is still fully operated and controlled by a human.

  • Automation goes a step further. It replaces not only human power but also human senses and decision-making (the brain). An automated system can govern, control, and correct itself based on sensors and programmed data [1].

What are the types of automation?

Industrial automation is standardly divided into three main categories based on flexibility
and production volume [2]:

  1. Fixed (hard) automation: The equipment is designed for one specific task and a high production volume. It is very fast but difficult to reprogram.

  2. Programmable automation: Machines can be reprogrammed for different types of products. However, reconfiguring the line takes some time.

  3. Flexible automation: The most modern approach, where systems (e.g., intelligent robotic arms) smoothly transition from the production of one product to another without downtime.

What are examples of automation in industry?

Robotic process automation can be seen across all industries today. The most common examples of automation in industry include [3]:

  • Robotic palletizing: Machines automatically stack goods onto pallets and secure them with foil.

  • Assembly lines in automotive: Robots perform precise welding, painting, and parts assembly.

  • Quality control: Camera systems (machine vision) reject defective pieces from the conveyor line in milliseconds.

What are the main advantages of palletizing in logistics?

Every major technological change brings both positives and challenges. Here is a clear comparison:

Advantage of automation

Practical impact on operations

Increased productivity and speed (machines work 24/7 without fatigue)

High initial investments in technology and integration

Error reduction and increased quality consistency [4]

More demanding maintenance, requiring highly qualified IT and service technicians

Higher occupational safety (machines take over heavy and dangerous work)

Risk of technological dependency during a power outage or cyberattack

What are the main advantages in intralogistics?

In logistics and warehousing, automation is an absolute game-changer. The main advantages in intralogistics lie in the perfect and continuous material flow. Thanks to belt and roller conveyors, automatic turntables, transfer cars, or vertical conveyors, complex handling with forklifts is eliminated. Goods travel from receipt through storage to dispatch completely smoothly, which drastically reduces logistics times and saves space in the warehouse [4].

How does automation affect employment?

The question of how automation affects employment is the subject of many debates. Data from the World Economic Forum (WEF) show that although automation eliminates some monotonous and manual jobs, it also creates millions of new positions. People are shifting from physical labor to the roles of operators, programmers, analysts, and maintenance technicians. Thus, automation does not destroy human labor, but transforms it into safer work with higher added value [5].

How to start with automation in a company?

A successful transition to smart operations requires a systematic approach. How to start with automation in a company?

  1. Identify bottlenecks: Find out where your process gets stuck (e.g., slow manual sorting or palletizing).

  2. Start gradually: You do not have to build a fully robotic hall right away. Start with gradual integration, for example, by applying automatic sorting at the end of an existing line.

  3. Choose an experienced partner: The Czech company LOGSYS a.s. designs tailor-made logistics solutions. From the initial analysis through conveyor production to the complete realization of distribution centers, we will ensure that your investment in automation returns quickly.

Article summary

Automation is the process of replacing human physical and routine mental work with advanced technologies and software systems. Unlike mechanization, it can work independently and without constant control. It brings huge advantages in terms of speed, safety, and a minimal error rate, especially in modern intralogistics. Although it requires an initial investment and changes the employment structure, properly implemented automation (e.g., using smart conveyor systems and robots) is a necessity to maintain competitiveness in today's market [1][5].

References

  1. GROOVER, Mikell P. Automation, Production Systems, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. 5th edition. Pearson, 2018. ISBN 978-0134604468.

  2. NIKU, Saeed B. Introduction to Robotics: Analysis, Control, Applications. 3rd edition. Wiley, 2020.

  3. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF ROBOTICS (IFR). World Robotics Report 2023 - Industrial Robots. Frankfurt am Main: IFR, 2024.

  4. MICHEL, Roberto. Intralogistics and the new era of automation. Modern Materials Handling [online]. 2023. Available from MMH industry publications.

  5. WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM. The Future of Jobs Report 2023. Geneva: WEF, 2023.