*Increased accuracy
*Relieving humans of monotonously repetitive work
*Required work in development, deployment, maintenance, and operation of automated processes -- often structured as "jobs"
*Increased human freedom to do other things

Automation primarily describes machines replacing human action, but it is also loosely associated with mechanization, machines replacing human labor. Coupled with mechanization, extending human capabilities in terms of size, strength, speed, endurance, visual range & acuity, hearing frequency