The World of Automation

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

Noted science-fiction writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke’s observation that “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” is more relevant today than ever before. 

A world where smartphones walk and crawl with robotic limbs, humanoid robots conduct job interviews, autonomous cars drive people home, drones make home-delivery possible, smart assistants plan investments and make routine decisions for their users – doesn’t seem fictional or far-fetched anymore. 

Several of these technologies are either already available or in development. Automation has made that possible.

Automation is the application of technology to improve business productivity, save time, and reduce costs. Technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (MI), robotic process automation (RPA), and Internet of Things (IoT) have weaved automation so seamlessly in our digital lifestyle that challenges that earlier seemed unsurmountable can magically be addressed with automation. 

Today, business intelligence in applications has taken automation to a whole new level and it is constantly evolving. Organizations like Amazon, Google, and other technology bigwigs are constantly on the lookout for advanced AI platforms with highly skilled digital assistants that will transform the way organizations behave and connect with their clients.

The benefits of automation

Photo by Markus Spiske temporausch.com from Pexels

Automation is not a new concept and companies have resorted to automate processes to improve efficiency in the past too, especially in labour-intensive sectors. Economist J.M Keynes had predicted in the twentieth century that automation would enable a shorter work week of less than 15 hours. 

Today there is an increased demand for intelligent automation platforms across industries not only to improve productivity and reduce costs but also to gain deeper customer insights, understand consumer behaviour, and achieve customer delight. 

AI and ML are constantly evolving and equipping machines to learn through experience, minus explicit programming.

Computers with artificial intelligence are being designed to complete human tasks including speech recognition, decision-making, visual perception etc. With IoT, the intent is that the things around us should be able to understand, yield, and use the information generated by humans, systems, or other things.

Automation improves business performance, cuts costs, and eliminates human error. Robots have mastered the art of performing repetitive tasks and revolutionized turnaround time in areas such as customer service, data-entry, and IT support. 

Now, with artificial intelligence performing mundane, routine tasks, human minds can focus on more innovative and creative work.

On the flip side

Automation has impacted every aspect of our lives – political, social, economic, and personal. However, there are areas where AI cannot be fully utilized such as jobs that involve expressing emotions or showing empathy. 

For example, the role played by doctors, care givers, social service workers, counsellors etc. For careers in creativity too, automation has its limitations – while there is knowledge and information, sensitivity is missing.

Some experts argue that if not monitored, automation could be dangerous to the human race. 

While automated digital platforms may empower users to switch their professions as frequently as they wish (be a cab driver one day, a programmer the next day), working on diverse work areas might not be empowering but rather enslaving in the long run. Besides, progress in automation and artificial intelligence will not only eliminate the need for people with routine, repetitive tasks but will also impact those with high qualifications and non-routine jobs.

Going forward

We are witnessing a technological revolution with automation that is evolving and scaling new heights with every passing day. Automation platforms are on the path to becoming more mature and proficient. 

With real-estate agents turning to automation to attract buyers, researchers from the University of Toronto claiming that AI may be able to predict if a person has the Alzheimer’s disease five years in advance, and Saudi Arabia becoming the first country to give citizenship to a robot, automation continues to be the go-to technology across industries. 

Must-read Crime Thrillers of the 20th Century

In the 19^th century, Oscar Wilde wrote, “The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.” Don't we wish that even today, while devouring a spine-chilling crime-thriller? Regardless of the generation we belong to or the century we live in, crime-fiction continues to be an extremely popular genre for readers all over the world. 

As we dig into the not-so-long-ago past, we unearth a treasure trove of exciting  and suspenseful page-turners. The 20^th century witnessed a steep growth in the number of books written in the crime-thriller genre.

Here is my pick of 10 timeless crime-thriller books from the early and mid-20^th century that fascinate me even today.  Do read them, if you haven’t.

1. The Hound of the Baskervilles – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1902)

My most favourite Sherlock Holmes novel, this book is a class apart. The story unfolds with the mysterious death of Charles Baskerville, which Holmes is asked to investigate. The brilliant descriptions of the Baskerville estate and the scary hound weave magic and suspense into this almost spooky thriller. The detective’s scientific investigation makes this book an ageless classic. 



2. The Secret Agent – Joseph Conrad (1907)
Set in London, Conrad’s novel is an intriguing spy-thriller featuring characters that leave an indelible impression in your mind. Adolf Verloc is a secret agent, who exploits his mentally-challenged brother-in-law to execute his political goals. This is a must-read not only for it’s exciting plot and intense storytelling, but also for the chemistry between the characters and how a bombing impacts their lives.

3. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

Much more than a romantic thriller, The Great Gatsby centres on America in the 1920s. It explores the social history of the era, the life of the rich and their economic prosperity, as well as organized crime. This is also a story of intense romance, passion, betrayal, and revenge. The vivid depiction of the times and the emotions it evokes make this an unforgettable piece of literature.

4. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – Agatha Christie (1926)

For its fascinating storytelling, meticulous characterisation, incredible climax, and thrilling ending, this book remains an all-time favourite and proves again that no one can unravel a mystery like Christie. The story is about the murder of Roger Ackroyd, a widower who was engaged to Mrs. Ferrars, a wealthy widow. Hercule Poirot’s suave investigation and the narration by Dr. Sheppard, Poirot’s assistant in this case, make this an exceptionally killing thriller. 

5. The Nine Tailors – Dorothy L. Sayers (1934)

A thriller that hooks you from the very first page and doesn’t let you rest till you finish it, this is an enigmatic mystery featuring British detective Lord Peter Wimsey. A disfigured dead-body is found in a churchyard and Wimsey is called upon to investigate the case. This is perhaps the author’s most intriguing novel. Mysterious letters, theft of an emerald necklace 20 years ago, medieval church bells… all add to the thrill of this remarkable page-turner.

6. Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier (1938)

A classic Gothic novel, Rebecca is a sensational thriller about a girl who marries Maxim, a wealthy widower. Maxim’s stunning first wife Rebecca, whom he loved deeply, had died in a boat accident. Through the course of story, the mystery unfolds and the girl discovers that Rebecca’s death was not merely an accident. A poignant, unforgettable tale of love, deceit, and crime. 

7. The Big Sleep – Raymond Chandler (1939)

This classic Chandler murder-mystery stands out for its complex plot, immaculate investigation, and menacing wisecracks by the cynical detective Philip Marlowe. The story starts with General Sternwood seeking Marlowe’s assistance to investigate the gambling debts of his daughter. As the story unfolds, people are murdered in connection with the case and Marlowe realizes that there is much more than meets the eye. 

8.  Strangers on the Train – Patricia Highsmith (1950)

Highsmith takes you on an emotional roller-coaster with this psychological thriller about two men travelling in a train. This is a taut noir novel about an architect and a psychopath and their sinister plan of murder in exchange for murder.  Full of suspense and intriguing twists, Alfred Hitchcock made a film based on this gripping book in 1952. 

9.  Lamb to the Slaughter – Roald Dahl (1953)

While this is only a short story and not a novel, I couldn’t not mention this one -one of Dahl’s finest stories. This is the tale of the shocking murder of a police officer by his wife. The real suspense begins when Mary Maloney tries to cover up her crime and we see streaks of a cold-blooded, shrewd killer in her. Do not miss this one!  

10. The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side –Agatha Christie (1962)

This is again an all-time favourite, because no one weaves a mystery like Agatha Christie. As Miss Marple investigates the death of Mrs. Badcock, who died mysteriously while meeting her favourite film actress, a series of events lead her to Badcock’s youth. Connecting the dots backwards, the elderly detective unravels an appalling truth. The intricacy of the plot and the fascinating characterisation make this a classic whodunit.