Automation
Also called automate.
Automation is software carrying out work according to rules or triggers, so a person does not repeat the same action by hand.
Example
Every weekday at 8, a job copies new form responses into a sheet. Nobody presses the button. That job is automation.
Why it matters
A rule can be a schedule, a new file, or a message. Automation follows the rule you set. An agent may choose steps. An automation usually repeats a path that was already specified.
Common confusion
Automation is not the same as an AI agentAn AI agent is a system that selects actions, uses tools, and checks results while working toward a goal.. An agent can choose steps. An automation follows a set path or trigger.
Sources
Updated September 30, 2026.