Automation can reduce the number of people needed to operate a system, which may save some crew weight. The machinery itself can be heavy and may occupy more space than the arrangement it replaces. A lower crew requirement therefore does not guarantee a lighter ship. The design question is whether the complete automated installation still improves the ship after machinery weight and internal volume are counted.
Notable Point · 3:04:46-3:05:07
Automation trades crew for machinery
Warship automation can reduce crew demand, but its machinery may use up the saved weight and consume more internal space.