AUTOMATION IN NEW FIELDS - THE SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION PERSPECTIVE

An enlightened French scientist remarked many years ago that ''The rat e of change is changing at an increasing rate.'' Because he made this observation before the Industrial Revolution he was unable to make the adjunct observation that the rates of change are not necessarily equa l in every endeavor. We witness this when we look at how automation ha s made its solid mark in the metal forming and assembling industry, co nsiderably less in other manufacturing arenas, and remains virtually a bsent in Service, including Transportation. This paper addresses the r easons for the differing rates of adoption.