Automation, a system that works without the intervention of man, engages a spontaneous process where different types of inputs like energy, information, materials give way to a definite and certain output. It is a self-operating system and is synonymously used with ROBOT. In our daily life, “Automaton-system” has found so widespread applications that we can never think of a better standard of living without it. The most significant areas include communication, transportation, health care, electronic banking and so on. Automatic watch, automatic printing machine, ATM are some of the recent technologies run on this automation system.

             In various ways Automaton system has been applied in transportation industries. Applications include airline reservation system, automatic pilots in aircraft and locomotives, urban mass-transit system etc. The computerized reservation system of airlines gives us information regarding the availability of seats on any flight, departure and arrival timing of each flight and other relevant information within a few seconds. According to this reservation system, requests from different persons are considered automatically to address their queries; and grant seats if available. While doing all these things, it never fails to automatically update the reservation status files all the time. The urban mass-transit system known as BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) in San Francisco; MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) in Atlanta Ga; and the metro rails in different metropolitan cities across the world are a few examples of automated rail transportation.

               The BART system consists of 30 stations in a track of more than 120 kms where 100 trains run at the peak hours only with a single operator. Sometimes the train attains a speed of 130 km/hour with intervals between two trains is only 90 seconds. This is possible because of the automatic system which controls its speed and movements. As one train enters the station it automatically transmits its identification, length and destination, thus lighting up a display board. Signals are automatically returned to the train to regulate its time in the station and its running time to the next station. The entire system is controlled by the two identical computers so that if one malfunctions, the other assumes complete control.

             One of the important earliest practical applications of automation was in telephone switching. The first communicating machine, invented near the end of 19th centuries, was a simple mechanical switch that was controlled by the telephone user pushing buttons or turning a dial on the phone. Modern electronic telephone switching systems are based on highly sophisticated digital computers that perform functions such as monitoring thousands of telephone lines, determining which lines require service, storing the digits of each telephone as it is being dialed, setting up the required connections, sending electrical signals to ring the receiver’s phone, monitoring the call during its progress and disconnecting the phone when the call is completed. These systems also are used to time bill toll calls and to transmit billing information and other data to the business operations of the phone company. In addition to the various functions mentioned, the recent electronic systems automatically transfer calls to alternate numbers, call back the user when busy lines become free, and perform other customer services in response to dialed codes. These systems also perform tests on their own operations, diagnose problems when they arise and point out detailed instructions for repairs. Other applications of automation in communication systems include local area networks (LAN), communication satellites, and automated mail-storing machines.

          In the health care sector, automation in the form of computer system has great influence in improving various parts of medical science. It makes possible to use various sophisticated technology effectively in this field to improve dramatically the condition of human being. Applying automations in service industries such as health care, banking, other financial services is of great help to whole mankind and brings a huge change to mankind with which we are enabled to explore a new world of possibilities which was undreamt of earlier.