10. A system comprising: at least one memory for storing computer-executable instructions; and at least one processing unit for executing the instructions, wherein execution of the instructions causes the at least one processing unit to perform operations comprising: inferring, based on data indicating locations of a plurality of automation devices and on a location associated with a user, that first speech of the user is directed to a particular automation device of a particular type, wherein the particular automation device is installed and operating at one of the indicated locations, and wherein the location of the particular automation device is proximate to the location associated with the user while the user is uttering the first speech; selecting a topic-specific speech recognition model adapted to recognize speech related to the determined type of automation device, using the topic-specific speech recognition model to recognize second speech provided at the location, wherein recognizing the second speech comprises identifying a query or command relating to the type of automation device and represented by the second speech, and issuing the query or command represented by the second speech to the particular automation device of the particular type, thereby prompting the particular automation device to perform an act responsive to the command or query, wherein the type of automation device is a manufacturing process control type, an industrial process control type, an energy-production process control type, a water treatment process control type, an environmental regulation process control type, and/or a utility process control type.
10. A system comprising: at least one memory for storing computer-executable instructions; and at least one processing unit for executing the instructions, wherein execution of the instructions causes the at least one processing unit to perform operations comprising: inferring, based on data indicating locations of a plurality of automation devices and on a location associated with a user, that first speech of the user is directed to a particular automation device of a particular type, wherein the particular automation device is installed and operating at one of the indicated locations, and wherein the location of the particular automation device is proximate to the location associated with the user while the user is uttering the first speech; selecting a topic-specific speech recognition model adapted to recognize speech related to the determined type of automation device, using the topic-specific speech recognition model to recognize second speech provided at the location, wherein recognizing the second speech comprises identifying a query or command relating to the type of automation device and represented by the second speech, and issuing the query or command represented by the second speech to the particular automation device of the particular type, thereby prompting the particular automation device to perform an act responsive to the command or query, wherein the type of automation device is a manufacturing process control type, an industrial process control type, an energy-production process control type, a water treatment process control type, an environmental regulation process control type, and/or a utility process control type. 17. The system of claim 10 , wherein the particular automation device to which the first speech is directed is further inferred based, at least in part, on content of the first speech.