The World of Automation

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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

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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.