> Just because some existing process requires expertise, doesn’t mean that we cannot come up with a new process that will not need that skilled operator as a step.

However, completely wiping out a process (replacing sheet metal fabrication with plastics) is not particularly "automation" of said process. You've just changed where the expertise is rather than automated it away.

Replacing injection molding machine operators with 3D printing machine operators is automation because it makes some people go away/requires less expertise.