Khan..am italian.and my english are very far from ur..but am play from 1,5 year and am think to know WELL this awesome game.
u need: PATIENT,first.
Second:Passion
Third,Immaginations,enthusiasm,curiosity to TEST TEST TEST everythink.
Automated?
This is a SIMULATION so u can auto someway in this game but not all.
Research engines,and research better,research various civilians and militay fields..then DESIGN your own sensors or engines,and then put this design into research stations..THEN try to build something..