autonomation

Definition

Technological innovation that enables machines to work harmoniously with their operators by giving them the 'human touch.' Called jidoka in Japanese, it employs automatic and semi-automatic processes to reduce physical and mental load on the workers. Introduced by Sakichi Toyoda (1867-1930)—founder of Toyota Industries Corp.—around 1924 when he invented an automatic loom that stopped working if even a single thread breaks, thus allowing one operator to control several looms.