Automation
Automation is using technology to do tasks with less human effort. AI extends automation from repetitive physical and clerical tasks to work involving language and judgement — drafting, sorting, summarising, answering.
In one line, for a 12-year-old
Automation is machines or software doing jobs that people used to do by hand.
An example
A clinic automates appointment reminders and intake forms, so staff spend more time with patients.
Why it matters to people
Automation usually changes tasks within jobs before it removes whole jobs. Workers do better when they are consulted early and trained for the new tasks.