Human-Centered Automation (HCA) is becoming indispensable for organizations seeking to implement AI-driven systems, robotic process automation, and other advanced tools while keeping human needs at the core. Despite the widespread adoption of automation, many initiatives fall short due to a lack of alignment between technical capabilities and real-world user and organizational needs.

This book unites insights from cognitive science, software engineering, business strategy, and human factors that view automation as something that works for people and not just systems. This book provides the tools and strategies to ensure efforts with automation succeed with people at the center. It takes readers through the entire HCA lifecycle; from process discovery and planning to system design, testing, and long-term oversight. With easy-to-understand frameworks and real-world examples across sectors, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, readers will gain tools to assess risk, define measurable outcomes, involve stakeholders, and build automation that is trustworthy, explainable, and effective. It offers the methodologies needed to drive meaningful, lasting impact through automation.

Human-Centered Automation is essential for ergonomics and human factors professionals, researchers, and organizational leaders involved in designing or managing automation initiatives. Its appeal extends to professionals in AI and machine learning, UX design, process engineering, business operations, and policy development.

Carlos Toxli-Hernandez is an accomplished academic and industry professional, currently serving as an assistant professor in the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences at Clemson University, USA. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and leads the Human-AI Empowerment Lab, where his research focuses on leveraging Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence to design tools that empower individuals to achieve their goals. His work has garnered recognition at prestigious conferences and has been featured in international media. Throughout his career, Dr. Hernandez has conducted impactful research at leading organizations, including Amazon Twitch, Microsoft Research, and Snap Inc. Before joining Clemson University, he contributed to global initiatives at organizations such as Google and the United Nations, while also founding four automation companies. In addition to his academic and entrepreneurial achievements, Dr. Hernandez is a prolific technical author and tech evangelist, having delivered over 100 talks across the globe.