As we are going through rapid evolution in the fields of machine learning, Internet of things and big data, it’s likely we will see software, machines and robots are increasingly being used to automate everyday tasks that were once performed by humans.
So, what is automation?
It’s a method used to operate machines or a process by without human intervention. What humans used to do in past, now are done by electronic devices, machines and even robot. Advancement in automation is making it possible to perform a task in quicker time and more efficiently. However, automation is not new. It’s not the first time that a machine performed a task that once used to be done by human. ATM machine is one of the examples. It was first introduced in 1960. Before that customers who wanted to withdraw or deposit money, had to enter bank, fill up withdrawal slip and then interact with a bank official to complete the process but the introduction of ATM has eliminated all the hassles and now the same operation is completely performed by an automated machine.
let’s talk about some of the significant applications based on automation.
Self-driving automobile:
There have been multiple iterations in last couple of decades to develop a fully automated vehicle. However, we’ve not quite yet achieved that level. In car automation there are five different levels. Level one is where a car is totally controlled by a human and level five is just the opposite where a vehicle is completely controlled by an automated process. We are currently at level three which is highly automated driving. In that the vehicle itself controls all monitoring of the environment (using sensors like LiDAR). In this process a computer analyses data received from different sensors installed in a car. However, driver’s attention is critical here. At any situation a driver can take control and engage braking and perform other important functions. Currently Tesla motor is one of the dominant players to produce fully automated car.
Home automation
In last 10 years we have seen a sudden boom in home automation. But what exactly is it?
Home automation is a process through which we can access and control any device at home from anywhere in the world. Its basically done over Internet of Things (IoT). An application is connected remotely to a Wi-fi device which controls nearly any device like fridge, air conditioner, light, water out late, television, home security, camera and many other things. The main benefit of home automation is cost effectiveness. Home devices can be programmed individually or collectively to control as needed. Devices can be programmed such a way that can power on lights and heating as we enter home or with one tap on your smartphone.
IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
Probably we all have experienced IVR in our day today life while making call to any customer service centre, bank, booking portal etc. It’s a great way to filter customer and put them through the right department.
Space:
Through the years, space has often been identified as the new frontier, fuelling the imagination of writers and film directors, who created visions of a future enabled by fantastic developments in Space Technologies. We have seen human going to Mars and beyond and established settlement in the movies. But today in reality, we have seen many advanced space probes and robots are being sent to moon and Mars. These space probes are highly automated and programmed to take pictures, collect soil, environmental samples and even build construction in other planets. We have already seen self-landing rockets that can re-enter to the earth’s atmosphere and land to a designated pad. Witnessing such event is no less than Sci-fi story.
Is automation going to replace human employment?
At current rate with the advancement of automation and technological innovation, we’ll see some significant reduction in human work force in many fields and unemployment. Currently, technology is replacing workers whose jobs consist of routine, repeatable tasks, like bookkeeping, manufacturing, and food services. Not only the individuals who are preforming these types of jobs are at risk but People who use computers at work may be at even more risk of losing their jobs to automation. As the software programs are being more robust and efficient day by day, it is possible that in near future a whole segment of our civilization is completely dependent on automation. But can our way of life sustain without automation in 21st century?
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