化 (huà) is a productive suffix that turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning 'to -ize / to make into.'
自动 (zìdòng, automatic) +
化 =
自动化 (to automate / automation). The same pattern:
现代化 (xiàndàihuà, modernize),
国际化 (guójìhuà, internationalize),
数字化 (shùzìhuà, digitize).
