does automation and mechanical go hand in hand

Automation can be of great help in repeatable functons requiring a definable level of precision, indeed there are thos who claim that that ois one of the points where engineering and science are tangent. Your question lacks both qualities.

Certainly! Of course this is more true in places where the cost of labor is high. When the cost of labor is high, the payback time for the effort and equipment required to automate a process is shorter. But even when the cost of labor is low, automation can still improve quality, reduce waste, and increase output -especially for boring, repetitive tasks.

Automation is getting rid of the human element in the equation; and is usually done by either introducing a mechanical or electronic substitution where the human element is either not necessary or detrimental to the best possible results.

As an engineer, you will be evaluating where it is more or less advantageous to automate; and how to accomplish that result one way or another.

Clearly, in some applications, the human element is extremely important and much more versatile than the automated equivalent.

If you want to be your own boss, try becoming a consultant to companies considering automation. [Call yourself an 'Automation Consultant']. This will probably take two years after your engineering degree while you get a post graduate degree in Environmental Studies. Otherwise, the closest to what you are asking about is 'Industrial Engineering'.

Mark

"will it be of feild if one joins automation"

with mechanical background and automation as extended degree to the same will boost carrier oppertunity , what areas you are looking for is up to you & your region of work , this just a specialisation , just as software designers & programers come from various fields( basic graduation) and work to there respective fields interfacing with computer world, i have seen multi degree holders in electric, electronics , mechanical, chemical , production etc

One way is process automation., ie., application in product

Second is data and control, which has wide applications can be operate & control with remote manner also.

These all gives accuray , time and man power savings.

nascon