What term describes the use of technology to ease human labor or enhance mental or physical capabilities?

The term that best describes the use of technology to ease human labor or enhance mental or physical capabilities is automation. Automation refers to systems or processes that operate automatically, often through computer programs or robotics, minimizing human effort in tasks. This encompasses a wide range of applications, from industrial robots on assembly lines to software algorithms that process data, illustrating how technology can augment and streamline tasks that humans would otherwise perform manually.

Mechanization relates more specifically to replacing human labor with machines, primarily in physical labor contexts, rather than enhancing human capabilities directly. Optimization involves improving processes or systems to achieve maximum efficiency but does not specifically refer to the implementation of technology for labor assistance. Simulation, while a valuable tool for training and modeling scenarios, focuses on creating virtual representations rather than the direct enhancement of human effort or abilities through technology. Thus, automation is the most appropriate term.