Understanding Automation & AI

Automation Overview: From Manual Processes to Machines

Automation can be found in nearly every industry, ranging from transportation and utilities to defense and facility operations. The most prevalent area, however, is undoubtedly manufacturing. With many required tasks being labor intensive or highly repetitive, the creation of automated machinery has improved efficiency and also created greater quality control.

Types of Automation

The use of machines to take over boring, unsafe and repetitive jobs has been with us for more than a century. There are no horse-and-buggy craftsmen anymore because cars are faster and cheaper than alternatives.

Autonomous Transportation

The 21st century has ushered in a promise that autonomous vehicles are right around the corner. In fact, Tesla recently announced that its Model S car is now semi-autonomous, and they released this feature to tens of thousands of already owned cars via a software update.

The idea of automation within transportation is nothing new, however, with sailboats utilizing auto-tillers and autopilot technologies in airplanes just a decade after the Wright Brothers iconic flight. Still, developing automated systems to navigate streets and highways is something entirely different, and the stakes are much higher.

While the idea has been on the table since the 1939 World’s Fair, it’s taken decades of research and prototyping to get to the cusp of practicality. Before Tesla’s autopilot feature, the most significant advancement was Google’s Driverless Car Program, which has logged nearly 150,000 miles of autonomous driving since 2009.

Autonomous vs. Self-Driving

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are clear differences between the two, all of which have implications for both consumers and car makers. Autonomous Cars Self-Driving Cars

Autonomous, or driverless, cars look similar to cars on the road today and still feature all the same driver systems we know and use regularly, such as steering wheels, brakes, and gear sticks. Some cars already have driverless components, such as self-parking, intelligent cruise control, and intuitive braking. Unlike self-driving cars, however, autonomous cars are interchangeable between human driving and driver assistance programs.

Self-driving cars are considered a step beyond autonomous cars. In this case, there is no steering wheel and no driver’s seat. Additionally, self-driving cars rely entirely on a computerized system of GPS capabilities, sensors, and radar technology to guide the car without any human assistance. According to The Economist, this model radically changes the user and maker role, as analysts predict sales of vehicles to individuals could potentially fall by 40 percent as multiple riders share driverless vehicles.

Types of Autonomous Transportation

Planes/drones Also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), these can be controlled by an onboard computer or a remote automation system. These vehicles have historically been used in military maneuvers, ranging from combat and reconnaissance to serving as decoys. Recent years have seen the rise of public and commercial uses, including aerial footage and Amazon’s Prime Air service, which plans to use UAVs to deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less.

Automation of Work

The automation of work was born out of economic theories on mass production and the ability to manufacture products efficiently and safely. What started as robotics for simple and mundane tasks has now revolutionized the way people and companies do work.

In today’s technology-saturated world, however, it can be difficult for individuals and consumers to see how services and products have become automated through the years. Some of the most common examples of work automation include:

Paperless invoicing

Paperless billing allows companies to send invoices via services that automatically send paperwork through a database server, eliminating the need for a human to sort through paperwork and mail confidential information to each and every individual.

Job applications

Today’s HR and recruiting managers receive the majority of, if not all, resumes and applications via automated applicant tracking systems. These systems allow users to upload job application materials when applying for a role. HR/recruiting professionals then receive streamlined packets that can be organized and managed through various settings.

Recurring alerts and notifications

Be it an email, calendar, or project management alert, these automated reminders help workers stay on top of tasks so they can carry out their duties in a timely manner.

Cloud documents

For companies with multiple users editing and changing documents, automated services such as Google Docs allow for instant updates by multiple parties.

Automated testing

Automation allows individuals to drastically save time on testing (e.g. software testing, QA testing, web link testing) and running reports. Tests can be done repeatedly, any time throughout the day. Reports can then be generated and outcomes compared to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Online marketing and sales

Ever notice how Amazon keeps track of recent purchases or online shopping history and automatically suggests similar items? This automated version of cross selling increases purchases by analyzing consumer buying and browsing habits.

Automation in Real Life

Automation can also be seen in every day life, outside of the office. Some of the most common examples of automation in real life include:

Auto complete

Today’s web browsers make completing forms – and even URLs – faster and easier though auto complete features. Simply start typing and after the first few letters, you’ll have the option of filling out the rest of the form with a simple click.

Excel functionality

While the formulas in Microsoft Excel can sometimes be exasperating, functions such as auto-sorting, criteria-based entry management, and pulling web data into an Excel file are all examples of automation.

Automatic updates

Automatic updates ensure that users have the most up-to-date versions of applications, software, and operating systems. Automatic updates also allow IT departments to focus on more critical issues by automating tasks such as installations.

Importing and exporting data

Collecting and managing data, especially large datasets, can be time consuming and mundane. Automation makes it easy to migrate data from a database to excel or to transfer data from one database to another.

Artificial Intelligence

So much energy is going into helping humans, not replacing them.

Artificial Intelligence is a broad and growing field that is still mysterious to many. AI works in myriad ways, but the overarching ideology is using computers to solve problems typically requiring human intelligence and understanding. Another way of looking at AI is taking human skills and tendencies and applying them to inanimate objects or ideas.

One well-known example of AI is the Turing Test, developed by mathematician Alan Turing in 1950. In this case, the idea was to create a computer that could convince a human being that he or she was speaking to another human being across a screen. For over 60 years, computer scientists across the world struggled to reach this threshold. It was only in 2014 that a Russian program managed to successfully imitate conversational behavior enough to convince 33 percent of the judging panel that it was human.

Much like automation, artificial intelligence applications make it possible for machines to complete real human tasks. Some of the common skills currently imitated by AI include visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and adaptability.

What Industries Use AI Today?

More and more industries are discovering the benefits of AI and the numerous applications it has for insight, increased productivity, and expanded possibilities. Some of the areas already integrating AI include:

• Mobile

  From text completion programs to voice-to-text to intelligent assistants, smartphones and mobile devices are rapidly embracing AI. Such technology focuses on human cues, including voice analysis and heart rates, to provide services based on intelligent understanding. As mobile AI continues to grow, software is expected to be more anticipatory in the coming years.

• Business

  Big data is revolutionizing consumer and product analysis, and AI applications are helping companies sift through tremendous amounts of data to collect insights. Once one AI program has dug through collected information, other AI applications are able to take this raw data and translate it into actionable findings. Examples may include product perception, social media tendencies, or product behavior over its lifespan. Other AI applications that stand to transform business in coming years include virtual assistants, smart coaches, sales representatives, and robotic journalists that can generate reports and news stories mimicking human writing.

• Transportation

  While fully autonomous cars are still in the distance, driverless trains and metro subway systems are being used at varied levels throughout the world. Toyota recently invested $50 million in vehicle robotics research, while Jaguar Land Rover has put forward £11 million to help solve ongoing technical issues surrounding autonomous driving technologies.

• Gaming

  Video games use AI to mimic human behaviors and intelligence in non-player characters (NPCs) in games ranging from Chess to car chase scenarios. These characteristics, however, are frequently toned down for human play since algorithms can often see every possible play or move, which creates an unfair advantage.

• Robotics

  The uses for robots exhibiting intelligent behavior is an ever-expanding area of research, with prototypes already showing limited capabilities in problem solving, learning, and interacting on a social level. Scientific American reported that by 2050, a single robot will be able to perform 100 trillion instructions per second. Though many of today’s uses center around manufacturing, aerospace design and military functions, it’s expected that the coming years will see the expansion of robotic technologies into laboratory work, energy, home automation, and mining.

• Security

  With applications ranging from personal home alarms to international surveillance, AI plays a massive role in keeping individuals and countries safe. Services like intelligent video surveillance analyze footage in real-time to identify and report unusual behavior. AI also helps enforce cyber security by identifying abnormalities in online patterns.

• Education

  Researchers are constantly looking at how AI can reshape and inform the modern classroom, for teachers and students alike. Personalized tutoring programs not only help students in everyday learning, but many also analyze how students process information and provide additional, customized support. This software is especially helpful for students with learning disabilities, ensuring they receive an individualized approach that matches their needs. Other AI applications include services that automate common teacher tasks, such as marking tests or recording grades.

What Companies Have Implemented AI in Business?

The majority of companies on the forefront of AI integration are primarily technology based, but this is likely to shift as AI becomes more commonplace. Below is a glimpse of the top companies currently working to advance the field:

Google

After acquiring DeepMind in 2014 for $400 million, Google solidified itself in the quest to fully develop and utilize AI. The prototype software, which mimics human cognitive development and has its own short-term memory, is thought to be the first significant step toward an artificial brain. The multi-billion dollar company also owns Nest, a series of home products that leverage AI technology.

IBM

Demonstrating its commitment to the field of AI, IBM has spent millions of dollars on its flagship system, Watson – the platform that won the TV show Jeopardy! The cognitive computing system is also used in oncology centers to gather valuable insights from extensive patient records and conduct research that may help eradicate cancer. The platform’s engagement advisor is also used in finance and telecommunication industries.

Facebook

The social media platform has three labs dedicated to AI development, with a number of AI functions – such as facial recognition – already in use. Founder Mark Zuckerberg recently hinted at future development of speech and language related applications.

Microsoft

Apple’s competitor has a number of AI applications in development, ranging from a digital assistant known as Cortana to a variety of platforms focused on image recognition and translation capabilities.

Baidu

Based in China, Baidu is to the country what Google is to America. The search engine conglomerate’s focus on deep learning has seen success in areas of speech recognition, image recognition, and intelligent advertising.

Consequences of Automation and AI

While the full implications for widespread integration of automation and AI remain to be seen, analysts in the field are already seeing significant shifts. Between 2011 and 2013, over 320,000 robots were created and sold, with Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, and the USA leading the charge. In China alone, labor productivity doubled between 2007 and 2012.

Mass use of AI technology creates economic prosperity, but MIT researchers are quick topoint outthat overall larger gross domestic product (GDP) is rapidly outpacing growth in household incomes. The following section reviews some of the main concerns about the consequences of automation and AI from both sides. Efficiency.

Robotics is particularly appealing in industrial manufacturing, where robotics has revolutionized mass-production. Because robots are so good at doing repetitive tasks, the streamlined production model not only increases capacity, but also eliminates human error and delivers higher levels of quality assurance. Work of this nature has historically been divided into three shifts, but robotics have allowed for a nonstop, 24/7 production line. Safer working conditions.

Though working conditions in factories are rarely reviewed favorably, a shift towards automation and AI means fewer workers are spending their days in dangerous or overly laborious roles. By replacing humans with industrial robots to do mundane or unsafe tasks, the number of workplace casualties is expected to fall across industries. Overhead.

According to International Business times, the average cost of an industrial robot used in manufacturing durable goods is currently $133,000, a drop from $182,000 in 2005. Although introducing automated or AI platforms can be costly on the front end, the lifetime return on investment as compared to human workers produces significantly lower overhead. Additionally, the one-time investment in these technologies means that companies can also eliminate salaries and health insurance once those positions are automated. Opportunities for new types of human roles.

Though opponents cite the loss of jobs as a concern when it comes to implementing AI, proponents speculate that allowing artificial intelligence platforms to take on more mundane jobs will allow workers to focus on complex and innovative tasks. According to Dr. Matt Barney of LeaderAmp, the phenomenon is not new, but simply reframed. “The use of machines to take over boring, unsafe and repetitive jobs has been with us for more than a century. There are no horse-and-buggy craftsmen anymore because cars are faster and cheaper than alternatives. For creative, entrepreneurial geeks, it’s a dream come true. Few innovators want to do menial labor, and would be thrilled to let the machines sweep the floors or do the dishes.”

Opponents have their own list of concerns and reasons why AI could ultimately be detrimental if left unchecked. Top reasons cited include:

• Lack of human touch

  As of now, one of the biggest drawbacks of automation and AI are their inability to use the cognitive functions that inform human interaction. In jobs like nursing or mental health where empathy is mandatory, opponents cite the inability of robots to express emotions is a significant shortcoming. This is could also be a concern in careers focused on creativity, where automation and AI fall short of understanding cause and effect or relaying human emotion. While there has been some success with robotic journalism, these are more focused on delivering facts rather than displaying any level of sensitivity to the human condition.

• Limits to memory capabilities.

  Machines are able to hold vast amounts of data, but they process and store information in completely different ways than the human brain. The ability to recall information based on memories or events cannot be duplicated as-of-yet, leading to certain restraints on memory and data retrieval.

With the opportunities for automation and AI abounding, NPR conducted research on the likelihood of specific jobs becoming automated in upcoming years. Here are a few surprising examples:

Expert Interview

Dr. Andrew Moore

Dean of Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science

Andrew has done work for organizations including Google, Pfizer, Mars Inc., the USDA, and the US Department of Homeland Security. He received his undergraduate degree at Cambridge, where he later returned to earn his PhD in Computer Science. In 1993, he joined Carnegie Mellon University as an assistant professor. In 2006, he joined Google as a VP of Engineering. In 2014, he returned to CMU as the Dean of the School of Computer Science.

A Brave New World: The Future of Automation and AI

I think we’ll see automation continue to explode in areas where there are real tangible benefits, such as automotive, energy, medical uses, and manufacturing.

While some may worry about a robotic takeover, leading researchers point out that the most exciting automation and AI advancements are focused on enriching the human experience and freeing people up to lead fuller lives. Dr. Andrew Moore speaks favorably to the future of the field.

Roy Solomon, the Vice President and Co-Founder of Applause, echoes these sentiments:

[AI advances] are about making human lives richer and helping us make informed decisions, learn faster, avoid catastrophes.

Researchers in these areas are pioneering concepts on the frontier of human thought and capability, with outcomes that would have simply been unimaginable previously. Much of the findings remain in a raw state, meaning their application has not been fully explored or utilized. Those interested in pursuing the field will enter at a particularly pivotal and exploratory time.

CS Degrees to Automation and AI Careers

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in automation or artificial intelligence often have common traits, ranging from the ability to be future-focused to strong analytical and mathematical skills. The most important attributes include:

• Mathematical mind

  According to Dr. Moore, math is crucial to success in these fields. “When you think you’ve got a strong enough math background to go into computer science, your next step is to take more math. Demonstrated success and happiness with math is the single most important thing for being able to handle the deep insights of information and algorithms.”

• Adaptability

  With both fields experiencing rapid change and innovation, being able to adapt often and freely is key. As the VP and Co-founder of Applause, Roy Solomon echoes this sentiment. “Being able to adapt and be a problem solver is critical as the landscape is ever changing. Technology that is new today will be old tomorrow. Can you make this code or device work like a human? Do you accept the current limitations of what we can do today but realize those limitations may be gone tomorrow?”

• Autodidact tendencies

  Because automation and AI are new, yet ever evolving fields, the ability – and motivation – to continually learn is imperative. “Knowledge and methods in this domain grow fast,” notes Matt Barney, the CEO of LeaderAmp. “If they constantly seek to learn and experiment while expecting to fail, they can learn from those mistakes and ultimately succeed where others give up.”

• Awareness of applicability

  While many of the concepts synonymous with automation and AI are abstract, the best in the field understand how to translate them into viable programs and platforms that serve specific purposes or functions.

• Communication

  Emerging research can sound like a foreign language to the uninitiated, so automation and AI professionals must be able to communicate their findings and ideas in relatable terms. What makes sense in the lab won’t always make sense in a boardroom.

Wondering what it takes to be competitive for a career in automation or artificial intelligence? Below are common degree paths and highlighted potential careers for graduates:

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Many CS programs provide specializations, allowing students to receive both the necessary generalist skills and more specialized knowledge. Students can study foundational areas such as data structures, software design and testing, web development, and linear algebra before moving into more specific studies.

• NETWORK SYSTEMS ENGINEER

  Requiring a diverse set of skills, NSEs focus on designing systems that help computers communicate with each another and with humans effectively. They may direct a variety of different networks, from either the hardware or software perspective.

• TEST AUTOMATION ENGINEER

  These professionals develop and run tests on automated products and systems to ensure they are safe, effective, efficient, and able to meet the needs of specific functions. Frequently working closely with other engineering teams, they must be future focused and able to understand the practical application of automation.

• SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

  Professionals in this career often work in specific areas of software development, including deep learning, data mining or machine learning. They may develop behavioral software for large companies looking to learn more about their users, or work on facial recognition software for companies like Facebook.

APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

These degrees are typically offered at levels ranging from undergraduate through doctoral, with a mix of topics that provide an interdisciplinary education. Common courses may include computation and logic, functional programming, object-oriented programming, linear algebra, proofs, calculus, and data analysis. Students will gain experience both in the classroom and the field, with numerous programs offering internships to build skills and gain professional contacts.

• ADVISORY SOFTWARE ENGINEER

  This role generally calls for professionals who are able to focus on both business tasks and mathematical sciences, with responsibilities being solution-oriented. They may work on inventory management, manufacturing operations, mathematical modeling, or the application of machine learning.

• VIDEO GAME DESIGNER

  Conceptual by nature, those who work in video game design are able to see the big picture when developing a game with stories, rules, variables, and intrigue. They must possess a mix of creativity and advanced mathematical understanding.

• SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

  These roles require professionals to use their skills in mathematics to design algorithms relevant to specific areas, such as big data, search engines, language analysis, facial recognition, and artificial intelligence.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Degrees in electrical engineering prepare graduates for future careers in automation and AI through studies in mathematics and physics, electronics, computer science, automation technology, systems engineering, and metrology. Skills are honed through both classroom teaching and extensive laboratory exposure, where students are able to see current research and findings at work in practical scenarios.

• ELECTRICAL AUTOMATION ENGINEER

  EAEs create and carry out research to test the safety, efficiency and overall performance of automated/AI systems. These findings are then used to create reports, which inform the development of future iterations. They may also consult on how to implement automated systems into existing production processes.

• AUTOMATION ENGINEER

  Frequently working with individual companies, automation engineers manage the workflow of production and implement automated systems to increase productivity. They may also be in charge of handling technical support to ensure these sophisticated systems are running smoothly and effectively.

• INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS TECHNICIAN

  ICTs work directly with robotic systems and automated platforms, repairing and maintaining them to ensure maximized capacity. They are also attuned to safety, paying close attention to any potential areas for concern or ways the machines could malfunction in harmful ways.

ROBOTICS

Degrees in robotics range from the associate to doctoral level and incorporate coursework in areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and motion planning. Graduates possess the skills and knowledge needed to understand the science and mechanics behind robotic innovation, both through classroom lectures and laboratory exercises.

• ROBOTICS ENGINEER

  Professionals in this career focus their skills on engineering and creating robotic technologies fit for use in a variety of industries and settings. They may also test new robotic technologies to understand shortcomings or areas of improvement.

• ROBOTICS TECHNICIAN

  Typically requiring less education than a robotics engineer, these technicians often assist with the development and testing of prototypes and perform tasks such as welding, data analysis, programming and repair.

• ROBOTICS SCIENTIST

  Often focused in a specific area such as manufacturing or healthcare, robotic scientists are interested in the research of devices relevant to their field, as well as the design and creation of prototypes for testing.

Expert Interview

Roy Solomon

VP & Co-Founder of Applause

Based on his extensive experience managing QA and testing for global companies, Roy recognized the need for an on demand “real-world” testing solution – and the Applause concept was born. The company counts Google, Amazon, and RunKeeper amongst its thousands of clients, and has created award-winning analytics utilizing artificial intelligence to help companies quickly see what users love and dislike about their apps.

Expert Interview

Dr. Matt Barney

Founder and CEO of LeaderAmp

LeaderAmp is an artificially intelligent platform for mobile coaching and psychometrics. Dr. Barney has authored four books, four patents (one pending), more than 40 peer-reviewed works, and has presented 179 talks in 14 countries. In 2015, he was appointed to the Business Affairs committee of the scientific publisher Annual Reviews. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Tulsa.

In June 2015, Amazon began publicly selling the Amazon Echo, an always-on artificially intelligent Bluetooth speaker that can hear, comprehend, and answer any question. In September 2015, Google announced to the world that it was getting serious about making self-driving cars available to the public – and soon. Since 2009, the company has been promoting its self-driving car project, with prototypes tested throughout California and Texas. And in October 2015, Tesla rolled out its semi-autopilot driving feature to its Model S cars. For many, automation and the use of artificial intelligence seemed to be far off in the future, but these recent developments suggest they may be closer than we think.

This guide explores today’s world of automation and AI. Readers will learn what automation and artificial intelligence are, how these technologies are used in a variety of industries, and discuss where the field is going, according to AI and automation experts. The field is expanding and evolving, making it an exciting time for computer science and technology students to start participating. Learn about potential degree paths and how you can help contribute to the field.