operate automatically
verb phraseUK /ˈɒpəreɪt ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/
US /ˈɑːpəreɪt ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/
to work by itself without a person doing anything.
The doors operate automatically when you walk near them.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. to happen on its own without being planned.
The meeting seemed to operate automatically once the boss arrived.
3. for a machine to do its tasks without a person controlling it.
The factory robots operate automatically all night.
4. to keep going by itself without extra help.
The backup system will operate automatically if the power fails.