Automation is one of the key components of technological progress. An automated system is one that has the ability to self-regulate, usually for an indefinite amount of time. The more such systems you have in a technical device, an industrial procedure, or a business process, the more time and energy you will free up for other activities that do require direct supervision. However, while automation seemingly has little downsides from a technical perspective, when you add the social factor to the equation, things are bound to change.