Automatic processing, i.e. the bot will always be on and store the resources by itself, does not need player intervention or attention. Manual processing, i.e. the bot will require to player to initiate the processing and to store the resources. If suitable, then these terms can be added to the glossary for future reference for both players and us.
The mechanical unit will be placed in the player's inventory and the player will be able to place it much like a city building game. The bot will be like a helper npc, automatically going through its motions.
All such machinery will only function during the day (on solar energy), till the player progresses enough to start mining for fuel. This shall be contextually told to the player at some appropriate point in the future, as the game progresses. Solar energy and fuel will have different trees as the game progresses, with each being a viable option for the player.