The concept of automation is a dynamic process of development. In the past, the understanding of automation, or the automation of functional goals, was to automatically perform specific tasks with mechanical actions instead of human actions. This is essentially the point of automation in place of human physical labour. Along with the development of electronic and information technology, especially with the wide application of computer and the emergence of the concept of automation has been extended to use machines (including computers) not only to replace the manual but also mental replace or assist labor, to automatically complete the specific operation.
The connotation of automation include at least the following points: in the form of manufacturing automation, has three aspects: to replace the manual, replace or assist people's mental labor, coordination, management, control and optimization of machine manufacturing system and the whole system. In terms of function, automation replaces human physical labor or mental work, and is only part of the automation function target system. The functional goals of automation are manifold and an organic system has been formed. In scope, manufacturing automation involves not only the specific manufacturing process, but all processes involved in the product life cycle.