Technology has transformed our lives in numerous ways. From mobile phones to internet shopping, we apply intelligent tools daily. However, two giant terms people commonly hear in the technological world are artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent automation (IA). People get confused many times. Some even believe both are synonymous. Others assume they compete with one another. But the reality is that AI and Intelligent Automation do not fight each other. They complement each other and get stronger together.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
It is a process where intelligent agents perceive their environment and take actions that maximise their chances of successfully achieving their goals. So they reason, they learn, and they make decisions. In other words, it is to give a brain to the computer. For instance:
- AI finds the shortest route to your location on Google Maps.
- AI suggests movies to watch on Netflix.
- AI allows voice assistants like Alexa or Siri to respond to your queries.
Examining vast repositories of data, AI analyses the data and concludes. It can remember its past mistakes and then work on the improvements. This is the major built-in feature by which AI is being successfully integrated across some prominent areas of commerce-from medicine to banking.
What is intelligent automation (IA)?
Intelligent automation is a newer and more advanced form of AI and automation technology. Automation refers to the use of software or machinery to perform repetitive tasks on their own. For example: auto-reply to an email or generate the bill once a payment is made online by the customer.
So, if someone says the AI is cast into automation, that’s when the Intelligent Automation boots in. So, this means that the machine not only follows commands but gets smart and improves upon the decisions.
Relate to this:
- Normal automation: A machine which executes rules step by step.
- Intelligent automation: A machine which executes rules but also reasons intelligently when rules are ambiguous.
Example:
- A bank employs intelligent automation to sanction simple loan applications. When the situation is complex, the system refers it to a human officer.
- An online store employs intelligent automation to scan inventory, revise prices, and even respond to simple customer queries.
With intelligent automation, you no longer just talk about speed. You also speak about accuracy, learning, and superior results.
Intelligent automation vs artificial intelligence: what’s the difference?
Most people ponder: “intelligent automation vs artificial intelligence – what is the difference?” The answer is rather simple.
- AI is the brain. It learns, analyses, and predicts.
- Intelligent Automation is the worker. It does the tasks, executes processes, and completes the work.
But when the “brain” and the “worker” come together, the results are powerful.
Let’s take an example:
Imagine a hospital.
- AI studies medical reports and predicts diseases.
- Intelligent Automation books appointments, sends reminders, and files reports.
When combined, doctors save time, patients get faster help, and the whole system runs smoothly.
Why they are not competing
Certain individuals believe that AI will replace IA or vice versa. That is not the case. Both perform different tasks. AI is thinking, and IA is doing. They complement each other by making processes smarter and faster.
Imagine a cricket team. A bowler and a batsman are two different players. They do not compete against each other. Rather, they complement each other to win the game. Similarly, AI and Intelligent Automation do different things but for the same purpose; improved results.
How they support each other
The following are some of how AI and Intelligent Automation support each other:
- Improved decision-making. AI is able to learn from large volumes of data and propose the optimum solution. Intelligent Automation applies the solution to finish the task. Example: In banking, AI identifies fraud. IA then cancels the transaction and notifies the bank.
- Saving time. AI is responsible for learning and forecasting. IA does the routine work. They both release human workers so that they can do creative or high-complexity work.
- Enhancing customer experience. AI is able to communicate with customers and know what they require. IA can then address their problem or forward the case to a human if necessary. This leaves customers satisfied because they receive assistance in a timely manner.
- Error minimisation. Humans can err when performing repetitive tasks. But AI and IA minimise errors by identifying patterns and executing strict procedures. For instance, in medicine, this can save lives.
- Cost savings. Businesses save costs through the utilization of both AI and IA. They do not have to invest much in human labour. The cost saved can be invested in expansion and innovation.
Examples of AI and IA collaboration in real life
Let’s consider some easy examples from various sectors:
- Banking. Banks use AI to detect fraud in real time. Intelligent Automation, meanwhile, verifies documents, updates customer records, and sends notifications, together making banking fast and secure.
- Healthcare. AI is used in hospitals to analyse X-rays and predict diseases. Intelligent Automation schedules the doctors’ visits, generates the bills, doctors can then concentrate on treatment rather than paperwork.
- Retail. Online stores employ AI to recommend products based on your shopping history. IA controls inventory, adjusts prices, and handles returns. Consumers have a seamless shopping experience.
- Manufacturing. AI is employed by factories to forecast machine failures. IA subsequently schedules maintenance and controls employees. Downtime is eliminated and manufacturing is boosted.
- Human resources. AI studies resumes and finds the best candidates for jobs. IA then sends interview invites and updates records. This makes hiring faster and fairer.
The human touch
Even though AI and IA are powerful, they do not replace humans. They support humans. They take care of routine and data-heavy work so that people can focus on problem-solving, creativity, and empathy.
For instance, in customer support, AI can respond to basic questions. But for emotional or involved situations, human intervention is still required. Technology is not a substitute, but a helper.
The future of AI and IA
The future bodes well if AI and IA collaborate. Companies will be more streamlined. Customers will receive improved services. Employees will have more time for substance.
Experts opine that in the years to come:
- AI will learn and forecast more effectively.
- Intelligent Automation will become more capable at managing tasks.
- They will collectively achieve a harmony of speed and smarts.
But then there’s the most critical aspect: how humans apply these tools. By having the proper combination of technology and human values, the world can do incredible things.
Takeaways
AI is the thinker. IA is the doer.
- They’re not rivals but teammates.
- They save time, minimise mistakes, and enhance customer satisfaction together.
- Their potential is reflected in their use in real life in healthcare, banks, shopping, and so on.
- They ease human life but can never substitute human imagination and compassion.
There is always confusion regarding whether it is Intelligent Automation vs Artificial Intelligence. In reality, there exists no conflict between the two. They complete each other and together generate the best outcomes.
IA carries out actions, while AI provides intelligence. Together they make a system that is intelligent, speedy, and reliable. Less costly with little to no mistakes and great experience in terms of client interactions and business is what it means.
Basically, AI and IA are like two faces of the same coin. They do have their uses independently, but when joined, the possibilities become vast. And as technology continuously grows, so will the nexus between these two.
So the next time you hear someone saying that AI will displace IA, or that IA will relegate AI to a lower pedestal, you know the truth: They are not competitors; they are collaborators.
David Radar, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
