The first industrial revolution, which occurred in Britain in the 18th century, saw mechanical engineers — though they were hardly called such at the time — using steam engines to power various processes, like locomotion. In the second industrial revolution, electrical engineers helped institute mass production. The third industrial revolution began in the middle of the 20th century, seeing us move from mechanical to digital.

Experts agree that we are now entering another era of industrial progress, one characterized by the fusion of technologies used in previous revolutions and one destined to drastically change the trajectory of human lifestyles: Automation. Unlike the revolutions that came before, automation promises to raise global income levels and improve the quality of life for nearly everyone. Yet, the praises of automation have long been sung; instead, we should appreciate those professionals who have worked tirelessly to bring automation to the fore. The following professionals have contributed greatly to automation, and they deserve to be recognized for their talents and dedication.

Mechanical Engineers

The most widely applicable of engineering degrees, mechanical engineering is found in nearly every industry, from oil and gas to aerospace and from pharmaceutical to agricultural. Mechanical engineers (MEs) design machines — which in the first industrial revolution meant steam engines and steam-powered devices, but in the fourth industrial revolution means robots that will complete automated tasks. The ultimate goal of MEs is to reduce effort or increase productivity, and automation does both. Though MEs interested in working in automation will need to add to their basic skillset will knowledge in microprocessing and microcontrollers, these professionals will be invaluable in the coming period of mechanical change.

Electrical Engineers

True to their name, electrical engineers (EEs) devote themselves to the technology of electricity, designing systems and machines that generate or use electricity efficiently. Like MEs, EEs are useful across industries and work in both private and public sectors. Because automation technologies will largely rely on electricity rather than other forms of power, EEs will be particularly valuable in the fourth industrial revolution. Though some extant automated machines use other forms of energy — such as automated cars and petroleum gasoline — the flexibility and sustainability of electricity makes it a more attractive energy source. Therefore, EEs will be enlisted to develop power systems for the automated machines of the future, just as they already design and maintain today’s electrical systems and devices.

Computer Engineers

While other engineers might use computers as tools to accomplish their goals, for computer science engineers, computers are their goals. Arguably the youngest form of engineering, computer engineering is still as vast and diverse as other fields.

Computer engineers both build computer hardware and design software, so these professionals are responsible for nearly all the advances of the digital age. Computers are integral components of automated devices, so computer engineers will be integral on teams producing automated technologies.

Control Systems Engineers

The unsung engineering heroes of the imminent industrial revolution, control systems engineers will tie everything together to make functional automated machines. Control systems engineering is an important field within engineering not unlike project management. Typically, control systems engineers have additional degrees, available from engineering programs online, that empower them to understand scope, cost, schedule, and compliance of complicated engineering duties. Automation is not a simple engineering feat; it brings together engineers of various disciplines, requires extensive resources, and affects millions upon millions of people. The use of control systems engineers will ease design, development, and application of this new technologies, making the revolution smoother and simpler than revolutions of the past.

Workers Everywhere

Finally, perhaps the underrated contributors are those workers who will soon work alongside automated machines. In every revolution, people’s jobs are replaced by machines or processes that are more productive and less expensive than human labor. While automation might seem heartless and destructive initially, it will work to improve human quality of life by leaps and bounds in the long term — just as advanced agricultural tools and techniques did in the 18th century. Still, it is important that we respect and revere those people whose jobs will transition into automated hands. It is their sacrifice that will launch humankind into a new era of progress, and we should not leave them unrecognized for their service.