Minecraft’s redstone is powerful—but it has limits. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating fully automated farms, item sorters, factories, or even entirely self-sustaining systems, then automation mods are for you. These mods add machines, logic systems, transport networks, and smart tools that transform your survival world into a well-oiled machine.
Let’s explore the top Minecraft automation mods that make survival smarter, faster, and far more efficient.
1. Create – Kinetic Machines and Beautiful Automation
Create is one of the most advanced automation mods, centered around rotational power. Instead of electric energy, it uses cogs, shafts, wheels, and belts to build moving contraptions that look as good as they perform.
- Highlights:
- Conveyor belts, deployers, crushers, mechanical arms.
- Build automated farms, assembly lines, and elevators.
- Highly visual with real moving parts.
Ideal for players who want a mix of realism, creativity, and technical challenge.
2. Applied Energistics 2 (AE2) – Digital Storage & Automation
AE2 introduces a ME network, letting you store millions of items digitally, auto-craft anything, and manage resources through an advanced computer-like system.
- Highlights:
- Automated crafting patterns and terminals.
- Massive digital storage in a single block.
- Smart channels for resource management.
A must-have for players who hoard items or play modpacks with many materials.
3. Refined Storage – Simpler Digital Systems
Refined Storage is similar to AE2 but easier to understand and lighter on system resources. It features modular storage networks with digital item control and crafting automation.
- Highlights:
- Plug-and-play storage and crafting grid.
- Works well with other tech mods.
- Auto-crafting, fluid storage, and upgrades.
Recommended for beginners or those overwhelmed by AE2’s complexity.
4. Thermal Expansion – Power Machines Made Simple
Part of the Thermal Series, this mod adds generators, furnaces, pulverizers, and fluid tanks—all powered by Redstone Flux (RF). It’s a great intro to tech-based automation.
- Highlights:
- Simple machine chains: ores → dust → ingots.
- Item and fluid conduits for automation.
- Energy upgrades and portable tools.
Great for early-to-mid-game automation and compact setups.
5. Industrial Foregoing – Farming and Resource Automation
Industrial Foregoing focuses on automating every resource—from tree farms and mob grinders to fluid processing and machine production.
- Highlights:
- Mob crushers, animal breeders, plant gatherers.
- Works with energy, fluids, and redstone.
- Customizable machine configurations.
Perfect for survival players who want full automation without manual effort.
6. Mekanism – High-Tech Machines and Logistics
Mekanism is a complex tech mod that handles everything from triple ore processing to advanced factories, jetpacks, and logistics pipes.
- Highlights:
- Multiple power systems and high-tier machines.
- Digital miner for auto-ore collection.
- Chemical infusers, pressurizers, and gas pipelines.
Best for late-game players who want top-tier automation.
7. XNet – Smart Item, Fluid, and Power Routing
XNet is a compact system that connects machines using networks of cables, allowing instant item, energy, and fluid transport with logic filters.
- Highlights:
- One controller controls everything.
- Color-coded channels for organization.
- Instant, lag-free data transfer.
Ideal for players who want compact, logical setups over bulky conveyor belts.
Suggested Automation Setups:
| Goal | Recommended Mods |
|---|---|
| Beginner Automation | Thermal Expansion + Refined Storage |
| Farming Automation | Industrial Foregoing + XNet |
| Advanced Tech Network | AE2 + Mekanism + XNet |
| Aesthetic Mechanical Builds | Create + Supplementaries + Farmer’s Delight |
Pro Tips for Automating Efficiently:
- Use storage drawers for bulk items like cobblestone or seeds.
- Combine XNet with Industrial Foregoing for smart factory builds.
- Automate auto-crafting of tools, armor, and machine parts for late game survival.
- Test in creative before building complex systems in survival mode.
Conclusion
Automation mods don’t just save time—they open new creative and strategic possibilities. Whether you’re running a giant factory, managing a digital warehouse, or building conveyor belts that stretch across your world, these mods bring depth and satisfaction to your gameplay. Once you automate one system, you’ll want to automate them all.