Artificial Intelligence and Automation – What’s the Difference ?
Artificial Intelligence and Automation – What’s the Difference ? To begin with artificial intelligence is quite well known subject that is in common use today. It is like a simulation of human intelligence in machines that have been designed to perform given actions. Well, the main perception of the subject focuses on the introduction of algorithms and computer programming that are programmed to perform certain tasks. Thus assisting humans by performing given actions faster and more accurately. On the other hand, we have a very similar substrate, an automation.
Well, it’s domain refers to robotics and computers, which are similarly tasked with relieving human power of existing duties in a fast, accurate and precise manner. More precisely, it supports efficiency and productivity, as well as reducing costs and errors.
Therefore, in this article we take a closer look at these two solutions, by finding out what is exactly artificial intelligence and automation. The rest of the article presents their features and pros and cons. And at the very end, we learn about their significant difference along with an overall summary of the this article.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
First of all, artificial intelligence is certainly the basis of computing. Hence, it’s main purpose is to build in intelligent solutions to help humans in a variety of tough situations on the job. It is a multidisciplinary science with many solutions, which is why advances in machine learning offer the potential to make a difference in virtually every corner of a given technology sector. Additionally, it also allows machines to improve, the capabilities of the human mind. Here, we also see the changes that have been initiated, namely the introduction of self driving cars or intelligent assistants such as Siri or Alexa. Above all, AI is definitely an increasing part of everyday life.
How Artificial Intelligence (AI) works?
Firstly, i works by using algorithms and statistical models to enable machines to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. For this purpose, several methods are used, including:
- Machine learning – Generally way to teach a computer to learn from data without explicitly programming it. ML feeds large amounts of data into the system and allows it to detect patterns and make predictions.
- Natural language processing – Basically a subfield of AI that deals with the interaction between computers and human language. This allows computers to understand, interpret and generate human language.
- Computer vision – Computer’s ability to interpret and understand visual information about the world, such as images and video.
- Expert system – These are computer programs that mimic a person’s ability to make decisions in a particular domain.
Features of Artificial Intelligence
The key features of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are:
Deep Learning
Data Ingestion
On balance, it is the process of transferring data from multiple sources of raw data to a storage medium. Everyone, from data analysts to scientists are able to access, use and evaluate this data.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing and AI work well together in many ways. Experts believe that artificial intelligence is the technology that revolutionizes cloud computing solutions. So far, it is understood, that AI as a service augments existing cloud computing solutions and opens up new growth opportunities. When cloud computing and AI combine, users not only are able to store data, but also analyse it and draw conclusions.
Imitates human cognition
Then again, AI successfully understands the world and responds appropriately in the same way that humans study their environment, draw conclusions, and then interact appropriately. So you mimic the way people think and solve problems.
For example, text-to-speech (TTS) voices created with ReadSpeaker’s unique voice replication software are indistinguishable from the original.
Facial recognition
Facial recognition software is developed by several well known companies that are constantly developing and improving. Currently at the forefront, Deep Vision AI does a great job of facial recognition software. You have the right to powerful computer vision technology that automatically recognizes your photos and videos. The visual output is then converted into real time analytics, providing highly useful information.
Pros and cons of AI
Pros
1.Predictive maintenance – AI is used for predictive maintenance. Here, the system predicts when a machine fails, so maintenance is scheduled in advance to avoid unplanned downtime.
2. Autonomous systems – Generally used to control autonomous systems such as self cars, drones, and robots, making them more sensitive and adaptable to their environment.
3. Affordability – AI systems reduce labour costs and increase efficiency by automating repetitive or risky tasks.
4. Enables multi tasking and eases the workload for existing resources. Drives down the time taken to perform a task.
5. Facilitates decision making by making the process faster and smarter.
6. Enables the execution of hitherto complex tasks without significant cost outlays.
7. Operates 24×7 without interruption or breaks and has no downtime.
Cons
Job displacement – As AI systems become more sophisticated, they are able to perform tasks previously performed by humans, potentially leading to jobloss.
Ethical concerns – As systems evolve further, many ethical questions arise, such as the potential impact on human autonomy and questions about the rights AI systems should have.
Safety and security risks – Artificial intelligence systems are used to carry out malicious activities such as cyber attacks or the development of autonomous weapons.
High costs – Being able to create machines that mimic human intelligence is no small task. Takes a lot of time and resources and is costly. To explain further, AI is also expensive because it must run on the latest hardware and software to keep up to date with the latest developments and requirements.
It is time with Artificial Intelligence and Automation – What’s the Difference ? to explain automation.
What is Automation?
Automation is the use of technology to complete tasks without human intervention. Moreover, the tasks range from simple tasks like turning on a light with a remote control to more complex processes like running a production assembly line. Also, automation is achieved using mechanical, electrical, electronic or computer systems. The goal of automation is to increase efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity by minimizing human error and increasing accuracy. Additionally, automation is applied in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, healthcare, and many other industries.
Why Automate?
To point out, automation provides many benefits, such as increased efficiency, reduced costs and improved accuracy and consistency. To put it another way, it also assists in helping to reduce the human factor and free up time for other tasks. What’s more, automation also helps to improve the safety and quality of products and services.
To further decompose why we need automation:
- Requirements and demands are growing exponentially faster than IT and business functions.
- The scale of technology (virtualization, cloud, containers, etc.) is too vast to do manually anymore.
- New methodologies like DevOps are forcing cultural changes.
- IT operations are hard work. Keeping up with existing systems and processes while implementing new systems and processes is so much more difficult.
Features of Automation
Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention. Some key features of automation include:
Consistency– Automated processes are programmed to perform tasks the same way each time, resulting in more consistent results.
Cost effectiveness– By reducing the need for manpower and improving efficiency, you save money in the long run.
Flexibility– The system are easily reprogrammed to perform different tasks, so it adapts well to changing circumstances.
Report Designer– Basically the RPA feature for Automation. From anywhere, it allows users to generate and print reports showing the history of specific operations. With this in mind, it creates custom reports. AA tools include task timeline, task progress, workflow timeline, visual log, and ROI reports.
Process intelligence– With process analysis tools, organizations get a complete picture of workflow performance. Without doubt, data visualization and customizable analytics make it easy to see areas for improvement. Intelligent processes harness the power of artificial intelligence by collecting raw data and analysing it without using spreadsheets. Conversely, intelligent processes are therefore essential tools for iteration and improvement that deliver long term value to the organization.
Document generation– With document generation you fill out and create forms, sales orders, or contracts with your data in just a few clicks. Pre approved business templates ensure that each resulting document always complies with internal and external regulations. There are no paper documents, and storing and retrieving digital files is simple and intuitive.
Pros and cons of Automation
Pros
- Increased competitiveness, sales and profit – Increase your competitiveness in the market. This is because as manufacturing processes are automated, human error is reduced, product quality is more consistent, and the cost of each part is reduced due to increased production rates and fewer resources required to produce goods.
- Increased factory productivity or OEE – With all the benefits of automation in the above points, processes become more streamlined and efficient with lower operating costs, higher production rates and higher product quality. This greatly improves business productivity.
- Improved working environment – Automation improves working conditions and safety within a production process or plant. Concurrently, automation reduces health and safety risks, eliminates manual work and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
- Saves time – This is a huge time saver. Now you save time on doing tasks that can be done automatically by computer programs or machines. A lot of work has been done in the field of automation and many new innovations are being created every day to make automation more efficient.
- No labour issues – The key to a future without labour crises. Not only it costs less than people, but it provides a quality service that people are willing to pay for.
Cons
- Can become redundant – A convenient solution to many problems. However, this convenience can be redundant in situations where there are changes that require automation to be modified. These types of changes only serve to increase the company’s workload and waste valuable time and resources.
- Still needs human assistance – While the general benefits of automation have been demonstrated, some tasks still require human intervention. Let’s use the previous picture of the driverless vehicle. These vehicles are programmed to stop when most roadside obstacles are detected. However, in other cases, such as when barriers are hidden by vehicle sensors, these systems may need to understand the data and produce undesirable results.
- Initial investment – The transition to labour automation is neither free nor cheap. As a result and often, the upfront cost of implementing and maintaining an automated system exceed the cost of manual work. Consequently, there may be costs associated with maintenance and repairs, as well as other supervision and training costs.
Now it is time to compare Artificial Intelligence and Automation – What’s the Difference ?
Artificial Intelligence and Automation - What's the Difference ?
Both topics, Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are related but different concepts. One one side, automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention. AI, on the other hand, involves the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognizing images, and making decisions. Certainly, automation is a component of AI. Remember, not all automation is AI, as it based on pre programmed rules.
Human like Abilities
As noted, AI systems perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as natural language processing, image recognition, and decision making. On the other hand, automated systems are designed to perform repetitive or routine tasks that do not require human intelligence.
Complexity
All things considered, artificial intelligence systems are usually more complex and sophisticated than automated systems. It requires advanced algorithms, machine learning techniques, and large amounts of data to work effectively. Then, the automation systems are simpler and require less data and computing resources.
Intelligence
Another difference of AI systems, is that they have some level of intelligence, but automated systems don’t. Therefore, artificial intelligence systems learn, adapt, and make decisions, whereas automated systems simply follow pre programmed instructions.
Objective
Following difference of AI, is that it focuses on creating highly intelligent machines to perform tasks that are described as intelligent thinking or acting in a general sense. The science and art of making machines smart enough to mimic human intelligence and behaviour. The idea of artificial intelligence is to create technologies that allow computers and machines to think like humans, act like humans, and learn from them. Oppositely, a major goal of automation is to simplify and speed up common repetitive tasks to increase productivity and production efficiency with little or no human intervention.
Creativity
Further difference of AI systems, is that they generate new ideas and solve problems in a way that is not pre programmed, whereas automated systems only follow predetermined guidelines.
Interaction
Simply put, AI systems use natural language processing and computer vision to interact with people in a more natural way, while automated systems are usually controlled through a user interface.
Open endedness
Lastly, AI systems operate in open environments whereas automated systems are limited to closed environments with predefined parameters.
| Table Comparison | Artificial Intelligence | Automation |
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
AI is a technology that assists specialists in analyzing circumstances and reaching a decision. |
Automation is a mechanical device that has been programmed to do a specific task. |
|
Working |
Interact with people, absorb previous experiences, compare situations, and act accordingly. |
Automation, on the other hand, has no connection with humans and operates solely on commands. |
|
Meaning |
Make decisions based on what you have learned from previous experiences and the information you receive. |
When the task is pre-programmed and runs on its own. |
Thank you for reading Artificial Intelligence and Automation – What’s the Difference ? We shall conclude the article.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation - What's the Difference ? Conclusion
Summing up, AI and automation are related but different concepts. Truly, with automation, it refers to the use of technology to perform tasks that must be performed by humans, while AI refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as decision making, problem solving and learning.
Moreover, automation is used to improve efficiency and productivity in a variety of industries, but artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize entire industries and change the way we live and work. Both have their pros and cons, but are often used together for better results.
To explore our website for more artificial intelligence and automation by following the section of our blog over here.
