alt Hacker NewsFrom my manufacturing experience on both ends of the spectrum of highly automated versus manual, the best analogy that comes to mind is driving a manual/stick versus an automatic car. If you know how to drive a manual, you can adapt to an automatic very quickly. The reverse, of course, is not true.
There are, of course, many benefits to automation such standardisation, measurability and the list goes on. Plus cuurrently we have this sweet spot where the workforce contains several generations who have experienced both very manual and highly automated processes. This dual experience is invaluable for investigation and continuous improvement. It makes me wonder what will happen when the workforce consists entirely of operators and engineers who simply press start most of the time.
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>The reverse, of course, is not true.
5min to learn. A week of normal driving to get not bad. I wouldn't say it's hard.
I drive a manual Mazda 3 because I like the greater feeling of connection to the machine, but also because I think it makes me pay more attention. When I rent an automatic, it feels like a (literal) blunt instrument in comparison. I understand the appeal of (semi-) self driving, but the whole idea still makes me nervous. I can't really imagine sitting in a car doing nothing for long stretches of time but still being alert and ready to take control at any random moment.