Person-operated

Referring to a device, system, or process that is controlled, managed, or powered by human intervention. This contrasts with automated or autonomous systems. The term emphasizes the role of the individual in the operation, highlighting their direct involvement in the function or activity. This can encompass a wide range of applications, from simple manual tools to complex machinery, where human skill, decision-making, and physical effort are crucial for successful operation. It implies a lack of self-regulation and a dependence on human input.

Person-operated meaning with examples

• The antique printing press was entirely person-operated. Each letter was meticulously set by hand, and the printing process relied on the strength and skill of the operator. Without the operator, the press remained a stationary collection of metal and wood. This contrasts sharply with modern, automated printing techniques that require minimal human intervention.
• The small family-run farm utilizes person-operated irrigation systems. Farmers carefully monitor weather patterns, manually adjust valves, and make decisions about water distribution based on their observation of the crops and the soil. This hands-on approach allows for precise water management tailored to the farm's specific needs, as opposed to an automated process.
• The traditional blacksmith shop relies heavily on person-operated equipment. The blacksmith's hammer, the bellows to fuel the forge, and the manual levers for shaping the metal are all directly controlled by the artisan. The skill of the blacksmith is central to the creation of any finished item, and no automation takes the place of human intuition or craftsmanship.
• Before widespread adoption of robotics, many assembly lines were person-operated. Workers performed repetitive tasks, like tightening screws or attaching parts. These person-operated tasks have since been replaced by automated systems in some settings but many still rely on human intervention to oversee the automation process.
• The old-fashioned hand-crank ice cream maker is a classic example of a person-operated device. Producing a batch of ice cream demanded physical effort, patience, and precise temperature monitoring by the operator. The quality of the final product was very sensitive to human input and the equipment's speed.