Automation in Factorio is essential for streamlining progress, allowing players to unlock new technologies continuously without manual intervention. It enables efficient resource management by automating the production and delivery of research packs, which are crucial for advancing the tech tree. This Automation enhances gameplay by reducing micromanagement, allowing players to focus on more complex strategic decisions and base expansion in the world.

Build a Lab

1. Gather 5 stones.

2. Craft a Stone Furnace.

3. Gather Wood or Coal to fuel the furnace.

4. Place the wood or coal into the furnace fuel slot.

5. Gather Iron Ore.

6. Place the iron ore into the furnace to obtain Iron Plate.

7. Gather Copper Ore.

8. Place the copper ore into the furnace to obtain Copper Plate.

9. Obtain upto 36 iron plates and 15 copper plates.

10. From the Crafting menu, go to the Production tab.

11. Craft the Lab.

Power the Lab

1. Find a water source.

2. From the furnace, smelt 5 iron and 3 copper plates.

3. From the Crafting menu, go to the Production tab.

4. Craft the Offshore pump.

5. Gather 5 stones.

6. From the furnace, smelt 5 iron plates.

7. From the Crafting menu, go to the Production tab.

8. Craft the Boiler.

9. Add fuel to the boiler.

10. From the furnace, smelt 31 iron plates.

11. From the Crafting menu, go to the Production tab.

12. Craft the Steam engine.

Note: Pipes can further connect the Offshore pump to the Boiler and the Boiler to the Steam engine.

13. From the Crafting menu, go to the Logistics tab.

14. Craft the Small electric pole.

15. Place the small electric pole within the area of the Steam engine and the Lab.

Note: Electric poles can connect to each other to further extend electricity.

Craft Automation Science Packs

1. From the furnace, smelt 20 iron and 10 copper plates.

2. From the Crafting menu, go to the Intermediate Products tab.

3. Craft 10 Automation science packs.

Research Automation

1. Go to the Research tab.

2. Select Automation.

3. Press the Start Research button.

4. Open the Lab.

5. Insert the Automation science packs.

6. Wait for the research to finish.

7. Open the Research tab. Automation is ready.