What does 'automation' mean in industrial workplaces?

Automation in industrial workplaces refers to the process where machinery and technology are used to perform tasks that were previously carried out by human workers. This transformation allows for increased efficiency, production speed, and often a reduction in labor costs, as machines can operate continuously and handle repetitive tasks without fatigue. In the context of industrial environments, automation can involve everything from simple machines to complex robotics systems designed to carry out specific manufacturing processes.

The other choices focus on aspects related to the human workforce or job roles rather than specifying the core definition of automation itself. While training workers to manage machinery effectively and developing new job roles for machine maintenance acknowledge important considerations in an automated workplace, they do not define what automation fundamentally means. Similarly, an increase in manual labor due to demand contrasts with the essence of automation, which typically reduces manual labor in favor of mechanical processes. Thus, the identification of automation as the substitution of human workers with machinery and technology highlights its primary function within industrial settings.