Requirement
3. Automation basics: the same five questions about a different thing
Required Often forgotten
Deliberately parallel to requirement 2. Part (d) is where the badge states the actual difference between automation and AI.
Notes and warnings
Warning. REQUIREMENTS 2 AND 3 ARE THE SAME FIVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TWO DIFFERENT THINGS: ten everyday examples, five workplace, five school, an explanation, and a five-milestone timeline, once for AI and once for automation. That is thirty examples in total and they are meant to be thirty different ones. Sort out what separates the two ideas before writing either list; the badge itself does not state the distinction until requirement 3(d).
What this is made of
- 3(a). Ten examples of automation in everyday life
- 3(b). Five examples of automation in the workplace
- 3(c). Five examples of automation at school or supporting your education
- 3(d). How automation works without human intervention: the line between the two ideas
- 3(e). A timeline of five significant milestones in automation
Where this step comes from
- Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge Requirements (Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2025-12-31), Requirement 3 · Part (d) is where the badge states what distinguishes automation from artificial intelligence.