The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Mechanize \Mech"an*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mechanized; p.
   pr. & vb. n. Mechanizing.] [Cf. F. m['e]chaniser.]
   1. To cause to be mechanical. --Shelley.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To introduce machinery into (a process) in order to reduce
      human effort or improve uniformity or quality of the
      result; especially, To cause to be accomplished by a
      mechanical means which requires little or no human
      supervision; to automate.
      [PJC]

   3. Hence: (Mil.) To equip (an armed force) with tanks or
      other vehicles.
      [PJC]