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. 

Where are the clouds?

Once upon a time

Last month, on my flight back from Bangalore, I was happy that finally the sky was clear. It was a treat for my eyes to witness the white clouds floating all over the sky. I focused on one cloud. It looked like a mighty giant right out of a fairy tale. I smiled and moved on to another one. This one looked like a lion with its mouth wide open, ready to pounce upon its prey. The third cloud that attracted me was a longer one. It gave an impression that a child with long hair was looking at a computer screen and laughing hysterically. It automatically made me smile. “The captain has switched off the seat belt sign. You can now use your laptops and electronic devices. Please keep your mobile phone in the switch off or airplane mode only”, the lead cabin attendant announced. I unfastened my seat belt and fetched my laptop. As I opened my word document and got ready to resume work on my white paper, I looked outside the window once more. I did not see that happy child anymore. I had entered my own world of cloud.

The new age cloud

Today, technology trends such as cloud, social media, digitalization, mobile, and analytics are not just giving a face-lift to computing, they are reshaping our imagination too. When we say ‘cloud’, we do not necessarily mean ‘the clouds in the sky’!  We are talking technology, 90% of the time, especially if we are sitting inside the meeting room of an IT organization. It is a fact that looking at the increasing technological complexities today, most organizations are looking at solutions like cloud computing to handle their data management needs.

What is Cloud Computing?

In simple terms, cloud computing is a technology that allows you to create a network of a large number of remote servers over the Internet. Using this network, you can share data-processing tasks, have a centralized data storage system, and access your data on the go. In other words, you can manage your data per your needs, real time, without being dependent on a local server. Magical, isn’t it? While working on an important assignment last week, my colleague had forgotten to email the file to her client before leaving office. She had saved it in her laptop. On her way home, while sitting in a crowded public bus, she was able to send it. All she did was use the ‘One Drive’ feature on her smart phone. She not only accessed the file, but also reviewed it once more before sending it to her client. Her 3G speed was good, which made the process simpler. She did not panic for a trifle second.

So, if individuals like you and me can reap the benefits of cloud computing, imagine the advantages that organizations can derive! Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Facebook etc. make the most of Public Cloud to process piles of data every second. Companies like IBM, HP and others are offering cloud based analytic services and more to millions of customers across the world.

On the flip side

Not all organizations or applications may benefit from cloud computing. Cloud needs network connections to work. If there are recurrent outage issues with your Internet connection, cloud computing would not be advisable. Also, security threats cannot be ruled out. Despite data security systems being robust, you should not store confidential information on cloud. Providers cannot guarantee that the networks are 100% secure. If your email account is hacked, that can be a threat to your business data stored on cloud. There may be cost and compatibility issues also.

Is there a ‘Happily Ever After’?

Cloud is among the most popular metaphors for the Internet and is here to stay. But perhaps, what is important is to shut down that laptop or smart phone once in a while and look outside the window. Take a deep breath, get a glimpse of the clouds in the sky and set your imagination free. Technology will evolve and cloud computing will be replaced by a newer version tomorrow. But those natural beauties flying in the sky – they will keep your hopes alive in a ‘happily ever after’.