Automation and AI; So What's the Real Difference?

New technologies have emerged since 2010. Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are among the latest trends. But many people use the two terms interchangeably. Automation involves using software and hardware to perform tasks without human intervention. Artificial Intelligence, at the other end, entails using intelligent machines to mimic human intelligence and behaviour. The following are three differences between Automation and Artificial Intelligence.

1. Terminology

Artificial Intelligence entails creating and using machines to do particular tasks. The human brain can perform most of these tasks. Automation comprises automated systems that don’t need human intervention. The systems perform tasks that the human brain cannot execute while AI simulates human intelligence.

2. Automated Systems Collate Data While Artificial Intelligence Understand Data

Companies with over 20% revenue growth have automated more than 60% of their systems according to research by ServiceNow. Firms that have negative or stagnant growth are 35% automated. Automation offers several benefits like improved business efficiency and increased productivity. It is among the latest technology trends that entrepreneurs use to make informed business decisions. Disruptive data capabilities and models are transforming many industries, according to McKinsey & Company. Intelligence machines think and make vital decisions in businesses. The main goal of Artificial Intelligence is to enable machines to consider several scenarios and outcomes before they make decisions. It has the following main fields:

• Machine Learning: It involves extracting knowledge from existing data. Train an algorithm on data to understand its characteristics.
• Reinforcement Learning: Behaviorist psychology inspires reinforcement learning. Multi-agent systems, control theory, operations research and game theory study this technique.
• Rule-based Learning: Programmers used rule-based learning in the past when they were programming intelligence machines. Sophisticated techniques have gradually phased it out.

3. Automation Follows Preset Rules While Artificial Intelligence Mimics Human Behavior

Automation systems are used in many countries. They help banks record payments made in a short period. Also, the systems eliminate the need to copy and paste marketing emails to target clients. Automation makes it possible to order goods and receive them after a few hours. Its sole purpose is to allow machines to perform monotonous tasks. It allows employees to focus on vital tasks that need personal judgment and touch. Automated systems increase business efficiency and workforce productivity. Manual configuration drives automated machines. It is important to program them based on your workflow. Artificial Intelligence performs better than the average employee. Tech leaders like Elon Musk have debated about the future of AI and robots. Stephen Hawking argues that soon, intelligence machines will be a threat to many employees. He said that Artificial Intelligence will take over many job opportunities. AI experts state that AI helps workers and it doesn’t control their lives. The technology mimics human behaviour and age or death won’t affect it. It aims at creating intelligent machines that do complex tasks. They will increase output and productivity. Besides, intelligence machines need minimal or no intervention. Automation and AI have revolutionized several industries. Also, they have a direct impact on our lives. Many industries have installed automated systems to increase production and cut operating costs. Automation doesn’t need human intervention. It collates data and follows preset rules.