I was sitting in a coffee shop when a friend—let’s call him Mark—started venting about his job. “It’s the same thing every day. Data entry, reports, emails. I’m a machine.”
I laughed, but then it hit me: why wasn’t a machine doing that? Automation isn’t just about robots assembling cars. It’s in factories, offices, even our homes. From manufacturing to business operations, automation is changing everything. But not all automation is the same. Let’s break it down.
Fixed Automation: The Workhorse That Never Quits
Fixed automation—also called hard automation—is for repeatable tasks. Once set up, it does the same thing over and over, no changes allowed. Think car manufacturing, steel rolling mills, and food processing.
I spoke with an engineer at a production plant who told me their automated systems crank out thousands of identical parts every day. “It’s fast, reliable, and cost-effective, but if we need to tweak something, it’s a pain.”
That’s the trade-off: efficiency versus flexibility.
Ilir Aliu (@IlirAliu_) highlights a breakthrough in AI-powered robotics, where machines adapt in real time like humans. Unlike rigid, pre-programmed automation, this system handles unpredictable tasks with ease, redefining what’s possible in manufacturing.
It’s a glimpse into the future—where fixed automation meets intelligent adaptability, making even complex processes seamless.
Automating flexible, position-variant components has always been difficult.
— Ilir Aliu (@IlirAliu_) February 11, 2025
But what if robots could adapt in real time like a human?
This German AI-robotics startup has built an AI-powered system that helps robots handle unpredictable tasks.
It enables real-time adaptability,… pic.twitter.com/y5nKQrO3f1
Programmable Automation: Machines That Can Take a Hint
Programmable automation offers more flexibility. Instead of being locked into one task, machines can be reprogrammed for different jobs. Industries like textile manufacturing and batch process manufacturing use this.
A factory supervisor told me about their CNC machines. “We use programmable logic controllers to adjust production. But reprogramming takes time. If we have small batches, it’s not always worth it.”
So, it’s more adaptable than fixed automation, but downtime is a challenge.
Pietro Schirano (@skirano) shares an intriguing approach to enhancing AI-driven automation—guiding models with structured prompts to simulate advanced capabilities.
This innovative method highlights how programmable automation is evolving, enabling machines to interpret hints, generate structured outputs, and bridge gaps in functionality with creative solutions.
A very primordial coding agent built with o1.
— Pietro Schirano (@skirano) September 13, 2024
o1 API doesn't support function calling or system prompts.
You can simulate these features by adding a pre-prompt that forces the model to output responses in JSON.
Then use a parser to generate coding files from the response. pic.twitter.com/yNCKrulX7Q
Flexible Automation: The Shape-Shifter of Production
Flexible automation takes it further. Machines adjust tasks on the fly, no need to reprogram. Industrial robots and automated equipment in production lines love this.
A robotics specialist explained it like this: “Imagine a paint manufacturing facility. The robotic arms adjust to different car models on the fly. No stopping. No delays. That’s flexible automation.”
It’s perfect for businesses that need frequent change without downtime.
Boston Dynamics (@BostonDynamics) showcases the power of flexible automation with Stretch, a robot designed for dynamic warehouse operations.
Its ability to adapt and move efficiently aligns perfectly with the evolving demands of modern production, proving that automation isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about adaptability and intelligent design.
With a long reach and small footprint, Stretch can go where it is needed to get the job done. Learn about how Stretch enables flexible warehouse automation: https://t.co/eodJJsEnTC pic.twitter.com/46DvYgBhVo
— Boston Dynamics (@BostonDynamics) April 1, 2021
Integrated Automation: When Everything Just Clicks
Integrated automation is the dream: a system where machines, AI, and software work together with minimal human involvement. Think predictive maintenance, digital systems, and automated processes.
A CEO of an industrial automation solutions company told me how integrated automation changed their workflow. “We used to do quality control manually. Now AI-driven control systems catch defects on the fly.”
That’s where automation is going—smart, connected, and efficient.
Business Process Automation: Making Work Feel Less Like Work
Automation isn’t just for factories. It’s reshaping business processes too. Automated systems handle emails, invoices, and customer service, reducing labor costs and human error.
I remember a colleague who implemented robotic process automation (RPA) in their office. “Before we had a team entering data. Now bots do it. Our team focuses on strategy instead of repetitive tasks.”
That’s the magic of automation—it frees people up for more important work.
Antonio Grasso (@antgrasso) highlights how AI is revolutionizing the insurance industry, streamlining operations, minimizing errors, and enhancing customer experiences.
In the realm of business process automation, this shift reflects a broader movement—one where technology takes on complexity, allowing professionals to focus on what truly matters.
Artificial intelligence in insurance holds transformative potential, allowing businesses to embrace efficiency, reduce human error, and prioritize customer satisfaction while navigating the complexities of modern claims processes.
— Antonio Grasso (@antgrasso) February 4, 2025
Microblog @antgrasso #AI #InsurTech #Automation… pic.twitter.com/EK041IyyWo
Choosing the Right Automation System
Automation isn’t one size fits all. Fixed automation is great for mass production, programmable automation offers flexibility, and integrated automation is the future. Business process automation is happening in offices worldwide.
As Mark stirred his coffee he sighed. “Maybe my job will be automated one day.”
“Maybe,” I said, “but then you’ll have time for something better.”
Automation isn’t about replacing people—it’s about making work smarter. The right automation system depends on the task, the industry, and the goal. One thing’s for sure: automation is here and it’s changing everything.
Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Saket Kumar
