Automated demand response (Auto-DR) is one of the key technologies in smart grid. When the generalized demand side resources (DSR) are connected to the grid, the implementation of auto-DR on the user side needs more requirements. Firstly, this paper introduces the basic form of smart unit of the electricity consumption on the user side and analyses the applicability of DSR such as controllable load, distributed energy resources, energy storage and electric vehicles. Two operation modes of auto-DR (“Independent users & smart unit” and “collective users & aggregated smart unit”) are proposed, and their related electrical and information structure is also introduced. Secondly, the research status and development of auto-DR on user side are summarized, including system architecture design, load features and forecasting of different type of users, categories of load type and control models, optimization models and methods, etc. Finally, the paper concludes that key problems such as short-term load forecast of users, models of load regulation and planning, optimized operation for auto-DR and comprehensive benefit evaluation still need further research.