I really like how Jon Udell describes the interactions between human and computer during an automation lesson:

Automating software systems reminds me of teaching a kid to ride a bicycle. A hands-on phase, in which you directly control the process, segues into a hands-off phase as the kid, having internalized the skill, asserts control. During that segue, however, there’s a complex negotiation. Control is traded back and forth in varying degrees, governed by a sensitive two-way feedback mechanism.

For more automation insights, read Jon’s recent InfoWorld column.