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Automation is changing the way we work, and we need to be aware of this now. Automation books simplify what's happening as software, robots, and AI take over various repetitive tasks, and what this means for your job, your industry, and the economy as a whole.
Whether you're looking to automate some part of your work so you can be more efficient, trying to figure out what skills will still matter in ten years, or just wondering what's with all the hysteria about AI, these types of books will give you the context.
Automation books begin with the basics of what it actually means and how we arrived at our current state. It's become more than just robots on the assembly line. It's software automating data entry, AI making decisions that require human judgment, and ML systems, doing the same but improving over time. And they take you through the different kinds of automation. Basic rule-based automation to complex artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.
It is important to understand technology in these terms – when you discover what automation can do and can't do, you will start to see where the real transformation is happening. The books on automation are excellent at explaining automation concepts, such as robotic process automation (RPA), which automates repetitive digital tasks, and intelligent automation, which combines RPA with AI to tackle more complex tasks.
These books will explain why some jobs are more susceptible to automation than others. If a job is routine and rule-based, it is at risk of being eliminated by automation. If the work involves creativity, emotional intelligence, or complex problem-solving, it is much more difficult to automate. They also discuss platforms, software, and tools that everyday people are actually using to automate stuff.
Automation books also tackle the big questions that everyone will be asking at the time – what happens to the displaced worker when a job is replaced with automation? The answers will be nuanced and probably depend on the different jobs. Yes, automation will eliminate a number of jobs, but it will also create new jobs — there are still people who have to build, manage, and improve the automated systems! The dilemma then is whether the (probably) displaced worker is in a position to transition to that new job or is left behind.
The best books on automation aren't overly optimistic about the associated challenges; nor, on the other hand, do they play into doom-and-gloom takes. They guide you on adaptation: which skills to develop, how to position yourself in an automated reality, and what opportunities exist.
Reading about automation is more than just understanding technology; it's about understanding the rapidly shifting landscape of work, whether you're automating your own work, helping coordinate teams amid transitions, or simply trying to remain relevant in an evolving work context.
by Marty Neumeier
by Peter H. Diamandis, MD, Steven Kotler
by Max Tegmark
by Andrew Yang
The four primary types are: fixed automation (dedicated to one task, like assembly lines), programmable automation (machines programmed for multiple tasks), flexible automation (handles variety without reprogramming, common in manufacturing), and intelligent automation (uses AI and machine learning to adapt and improve). Each type fits different scenarios depending on whether you need speed, flexibility, or decision-making capability from your automated systems.
Bill Gates recommended 'The Coming Wave' by Mustafa Suleyman, which covers AI and emerging technologies. He also praised 'AI Superpowers' by Kai-Fu Lee for examining US-China AI competition, and 'Life 3.0' by Max Tegmark for addressing AI's future impact on humanity. Gates regularly shares book recommendations on his blog, which is worth checking for his latest AI and automation picks.
Start with Python — it's the most popular language for automation scripts. Take online courses on Coursera or Udemy covering robotic process automation (RPA) or specific tools like UiPath or Selenium. Practice by automating your own repetitive tasks — data entry, file organization, and web scraping. Build small projects to apply what you learn. You can also read the summaries about automation on Headway.
Depends on what you want to automate. For software testing, Selenium courses work well. For business process automation, UiPath or Automation Anywhere certifications establish credibility. For general automation skills, Python courses covering automation libraries are solid. Coursera's "Python for Everybody" is beginner-friendly. For advanced techniques, look at machine learning courses since intelligent automation builds on ML. Consider your current skill level and what you're trying to automate.
The 4 D's are: Dull (boring, repetitive tasks), Dirty (dangerous or unpleasant work environments), Dangerous (tasks risking human safety), and Dear (expensive processes where automation saves money). This framework helps determine what to automate first—essentially anything humans shouldn't have to do, or that's costing too much. Automating based on the 4 D's gives you quick wins and makes automation easier to justify.
For software testing, Selenium dominates. For business process automation, UiPath and Automation Anywhere are popular. For workflow automation, Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) work well with non-technical users. For DevOps, Jenkins and Ansible lead. Python is perhaps the most versatile automation tool since you can script basically anything. What's "most used" depends on your field — IT, marketing, and manufacturing all have different go-to tools.
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