AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS
Automation, application of machines to tasks once performed by
human beings or, increasingly, to tasks that would otherwise be
impossible. Although the term mechanization is often used to refer to the
simple replacement of human labour by machines, automation generally
implies the integration of machines into a self-governing system.
Automation has revolutionized those areas in which it has been
introduced, and there is scarcely an aspect of modern life that has been
unaffected by it.
The term automation was coined in the automobile industry about 1946
to describe the increased use of automatic devices and controls in
mechanized production lines. The origin of the word is attributed to D.S.
Harder, an engineering manager at the Ford Motor Company at the
time. The term is used widely in a manufacturing context, but it is also
applied outside manufacturing in connection with a variety of systems in
which there is a significant substitution of mechanical, electrical, or
computerized action for human effort and intelligence.
In general usage, automation can be defined as a technology concerned
with performing a process by means of programmed commands
combined with automatic feedback control to ensure proper execution of
the instructions. The resulting system is capable of operating without
human intervention. The development of this technology has become
increasingly dependent on the use of computers and computer-related
technologies. Consequently, automated systems have become
increasingly sophisticated and complex. Advanced systems represent a
level of capability and performance that surpass in many ways the
abilities of humans to accomplish the same activities.
Automation technology has matured to a point where a number of other
technologies have developed from it and have achieved a recognition
and status of their own. Robotics is one of these technologies; it is a
specialized branch of automation in which the
automated machine possesses certain anthropomorphic, or humanlike,
characteristics. The most typical humanlike characteristic of a modern
industrial robot is its powered mechanical arm. The robot’s arm can be
programmed to move through a sequence of motions to perform useful
tasks, such as loading and unloading parts at a production machine or
making a sequence of spot-welds on the sheet-metal parts of an
automobile body during assembly. As these examples suggest,
industrial robots are typically used to replace human workers in factory
operations.
Uses
The use of a repeated set of processes can IT increase IT productivity
and efficiency and reduce human errors.
Business automation uses software to automate repeatable, multistep
business transactions connected to multiple enterprise information
technology (IT) systems, and tailored specifically to the needs of an
organization.
IT automation is the process of creating software and automated
systems to replace repeatable processes and reduce manual
intervention, accelerating the delivery of IT infrastructure and
applications by automating manual processes that previously required
human intervention.
Integration is the connection of data, applications, APIs, and devices
across your IT organization to be more efficient, productive, and agile.
The main advantages of automation are:
• Increased throughput or productivity
• Improved quality
• Increased predictability
• Improved robustness (consistency), of processes or product
• Increased consistency of output
• Reduced direct human labor costs and expenses
• Reduced cycle time
• Increased accuracy
• Relieving humans of monotonously repetitive work [46]
• Required work in development, deployment, maintenance,
and operation of automated processes — often structured as
“jobs”
• Increased human freedom to do other things
Automation primarily describes machines replacing human action, but it
is also loosely associated with mechanization, machines replacing
human labor. Coupled with mechanization, extending human capabilities
in terms of size, strength, speed, endurance, visual range & acuity,
hearing frequency & precision, electromagnetic sensing & effecting, etc.,
advantages include:
• Relieving humans of dangerous work stresses
and occupational injuries (e.g., fewer strained backs from
lifting heavy objects)
• Removing humans from dangerous environments (e.g. fire,
space, volcanoes, nuclear facilities, underwater, etc.)
The main disadvantages of automation are:
• High initial cost
• Faster production without human intervention can mean faster
unchecked production of defects where automated processes
are defective.
• Scaled-up capacities can mean scaled-up problems when
systems fail — releasing dangerous toxins, forces, energies,
etc., at scaled-up rates.
• Human adaptiveness is often poorly understood by
automation initiators. It is often difficult to anticipate every
contingency and develop fully preplanned automated
responses for every situation. The discoveries inherent in
automating processes can require unanticipated iterations to
resolve, causing unanticipated costs and delays.
• People anticipating employment income may be seriously
disrupted by others deploying automation where no similar
income is readily available.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI), the ability of a digital computer or computer-
controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent
beings. The term is frequently applied to the project of developing
systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of
humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or
learn from past experience. Since the development of the digital
computer in the 1940s, it has been demonstrated that computers can be
programmed to carry out very complex tasks—as, for example,
discovering proofs for mathematical theorems or playing chess—with
great proficiency. Still, despite continuing advances in computer
processing speed and memory capacity, there are as yet no programs
that can match human flexibility over wider domains or in tasks requiring
much everyday knowledge. On the other hand, some programs have
attained the performance levels of human experts and professionals in
performing certain specific tasks, so that artificial intelligence in this
limited sense is found in applications as diverse as medical diagnosis,
computer search engines, and voice or handwriting recognition.
Uses
There are numerous, real-world applications of AI systems today. Below
are some of the most common use cases:
• Speech recognition: It is also known as automatic speech
recognition (ASR), computer speech recognition, or speech-to-
text, and it is a capability which uses natural language processing
(NLP) to process human speech into a written format. Many
mobile devices incorporate speech recognition into their systems
to conduct voice search—e.g. Siri—or provide more accessibility
around texting.
• Customer service: Online virtual agents are replacing human
agents along the customer journey. They answer frequently
asked questions (FAQs) around topics, like shipping, or provide
personalized advice, cross-selling products or suggesting sizes
for users, changing the way we think about customer engagement
across websites and social media platforms. Examples include
messaging bots on e-commerce sites with virtual agents,
messaging apps, such as Slack and Facebook Messenger, and
tasks usually done by virtual assistants and voice assistants.
• Computer vision: This AI technology enables computers and
systems to derive meaningful information from digital images,
videos and other visual inputs, and based on those inputs, it can
take action. This ability to provide recommendations distinguishes
it from image recognition tasks. Powered by convolutional neural
networks, computer vision has applications within photo tagging
in social media, radiology imaging in healthcare, and self-driving
cars within the automotive industry.
• Recommendation engines: Using past consumption behavior
data, AI algorithms can help to discover data trends that can be
used to develop more effective cross-selling strategies. This is
used to make relevant add-on recommendations to customers
during the checkout process for online retailers.
• Automated stock trading: Designed to optimize stock
portfolios, AI-driven high-frequency trading platforms make
thousands or even millions of trades per day without human
intervention.
Advantages of Artificial Intelligence
1. Reduction in Human Error
One of the biggest advantages of Artificial Intelligence is that it can
significantly reduce errors and increase accuracy and precision. The
decisions taken by AI in every step is decided by information previously
gathered and a certain set of algorithms. When programmed properly,
these errors can be reduced to null.
Example:
An example of the reduction in human error through AI is the use of
robotic surgery systems, which can perform complex procedures with
precision and accuracy, reducing the risk of human error and improving
patient safety in healthcare.
2. Zero Risks
Another big advantage of AI is that humans can overcome many risks
by letting AI robots do them for us. Whether it be defusing a bomb, going
to space, exploring the deepest parts of oceans, machines with metal
bodies are resistant in nature and can survive unfriendly atmospheres.
Moreover, they can provide accurate work with greater responsibility and
not wear out easily.
Example:
One example of zero risks is a fully automated production line in a
manufacturing facility. Robots perform all tasks, eliminating the risk of
human error and injury in hazardous environments.
3. 24x7 Availability
There are many studies that show humans are productive only about 3
to 4 hours in a day. Humans also need breaks and time offs to balance
their work life and personal life. But AI can work endlessly without
breaks. They think much faster than humans and perform multiple tasks
at a time with accurate results. They can even handle tedious repetitive
jobs easily with the help of AI algorithms.
Example:
An example of this is online customer support chatbots, which can
provide instant assistance to customers anytime, anywhere. Using AI
and natural language processing, chatbots can answer common
questions, resolve issues, and escalate complex problems to human
agents, ensuring seamless customer service around the clock.
4. Digital Assistance
Some of the most technologically advanced companies engage with
users using digital assistants, which eliminates the need for human
personnel. Many websites utilize digital assistants to deliver user-
requested content. We can discuss our search with them in
conversation. Some chatbots are built in a way that makes it difficult to
tell whether we are conversing with a human or a chatbot.
Example:
We all know that businesses have a customer service crew that must
address the doubts and concerns of the patrons. Businesses can create
a chatbot or voice bot that can answer all of their clients' questions using
AI.
Related Reading: Top Digital Marketing Trends
5. New Inventions
In practically every field, AI is the driving force behind numerous
innovations that will aid humans in resolving the majority of challenging
issues.
For instance, recent advances in AI-based technologies have allowed
doctors to detect breast cancer in a woman at an earlier stage.
Example:
Another example of new inventions is self-driving cars, which use a
combination of cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms to navigate roads
and traffic without human intervention. Self-driving cars have the
potential to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and increase
accessibility for people with disabilities or limited mobility. They are being
developed by various companies, including Tesla, Google, and Uber,
and are expected to revolutionize transportation.
6. Unbiased Decisions
Human beings are driven by emotions, whether we like it or not. AI on
the other hand, is devoid of emotions and highly practical and rational in
its approach. A huge advantage of Artificial Intelligence is that it doesn't
have any biased views, which ensures more accurate decision-making.
Example:
An example of this is AI-powered recruitment systems that screen job
applicants based on skills and qualifications rather than demographics.
This helps eliminate bias in the hiring process, leading to an inclusive
and more diverse workforce.
7. Perform Repetitive Jobs
We will be doing a lot of repetitive tasks as part of our daily work, such
as checking documents for flaws and mailing thank-you notes, among
other things. We may use artificial intelligence to efficiently automate
these menial chores and even eliminate "boring" tasks for people,
allowing them to focus on being more creative.
Example:
An example of this is using robots in manufacturing assembly lines,
which can handle repetitive tasks such as welding, painting, and
packaging with high accuracy and speed, reducing costs and improving
efficiency.
8. Daily Applications
Today, our everyday lives are entirely dependent on mobile devices and
the internet. We utilize a variety of apps, including Google Maps, Alexa,
Siri, Cortana on Windows, OK Google, taking selfies, making calls,
responding to emails, etc. With the use of various AI-based techniques,
we can also anticipate today’s weather and the days ahead.
Example:
About 20 years ago, you must have asked someone who had already
been there for instructions when you were planning a trip. All you need
to do now is ask Google where Bangalore is. The best route between
you and Bangalore will be displayed, along with Bangalore's location, on
a Google map.
9. AI in Risky Situations
One of the main benefits of artificial intelligence is this. By creating an AI
robot that can perform perilous tasks on our behalf, we can get beyond
many of the dangerous restrictions that humans face. It can be utilized
effectively in any type of natural or man-made calamity, whether it be
going to Mars, defusing a bomb, exploring the deepest regions of the
oceans, or mining for coal and oil.
Example:
For instance, the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power facility in
Ukraine. As any person who came close to the core would have perished
in a matter of minutes, at the time, there were no AI-powered robots that
could assist us in reducing the effects of radiation by controlling the fire
in its early phases.
10. Faster Decision-making
Faster decision-making is another benefit of AI. By automating certain
tasks and providing real-time insights, AI can help organizations make
faster and more informed decisions. This can be particularly valuable in
high-stakes environments, where decisions must be made quickly and
accurately to prevent costly errors or save lives.
Example:
An example of faster decision-making is using AI-powered predictive
analytics in financial trading, where algorithms can analyze vast
amounts of data in real time and make informed investment decisions
faster than human traders, resulting in improved returns and reduced
risks.
11. Pattern Identification
Pattern identification is another area where AI excels. With its ability to
analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns and trends, AI can
help businesses and organizations better understand customer
behavior, market trends, and other important factors. This information
can be used to make better decisions and improve business outcomes.
Example:
An example of pattern identification is the use of AI in fraud detection,
where machine learning algorithms can identify patterns and anomalies
in transaction data to detect and prevent fraudulent activity, improving
security and reducing financial losses for individuals and organizations.
12. Medical Applications
AI has also made significant contributions to the field of medicine, with
applications ranging from diagnosis and treatment to drug discovery and
clinical trials. AI-powered tools can help doctors and researchers
analyze patient data, identify potential health risks, and develop
personalized treatment plans. This can lead to better health outcomes
for patients and help accelerate the development of new medical
treatments and technologies.
Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence
1. High Costs
The ability to create a machine that can simulate human intelligence is
no small feat. It requires plenty of time and resources and can cost a
huge deal of money. AI also needs to operate on the latest hardware
and software to stay updated and meet the latest requirements, thus
making it quite costly.
2. No Creativity
A big disadvantage of AI is that it cannot learn to think outside the box.
AI is capable of learning over time with pre-fed data and past
experiences, but cannot be creative in its approach. A classic example
is the bot Quill who can write Forbes earning reports. These reports only
contain data and facts already provided to the bot. Although it is
impressive that a bot can write an article on its own, it lacks the human
touch present in other Forbes articles.
3. Unemployment
One application of artificial intelligence is a robot, which is displacing
occupations and increasing unemployment (in a few cases). Therefore,
some claim that there is always a chance of unemployment as a result
of chatbots and robots replacing humans.
For instance, robots are frequently utilized to replace human resources
in manufacturing businesses in some more technologically advanced
nations like Japan. This is not always the case, though, as it creates
additional opportunities for humans to work while also replacing humans
in order to increase efficiency.
4. Make Humans Lazy
AI applications automate the majority of tedious and repetitive tasks.
Since we do not have to memorize things or solve puzzles to get the job
done, we tend to use our brains less and less. This addiction to AI can
cause problems to future generations.
5. No Ethics
Ethics and morality are important human features that can be difficult to
incorporate into an AI. The rapid progress of AI has raised a number of
concerns that one day, AI will grow uncontrollably, and eventually wipe
out humanity. This moment is referred to as the AI singularity.
6. Emotionless
Since early childhood, we have been taught that neither computers nor
other machines have feelings. Humans function as a team, and team
management is essential for achieving goals. However, there is no
denying that robots are superior to humans when functioning effectively,
but it is also true that human connections, which form the basis of teams,
cannot be replaced by computers.
7. No Improvement
Humans cannot develop artificial intelligence because it is a technology
based on pre-loaded facts and experience. AI is proficient at repeatedly
carrying out the same task, but if we want any adjustments or
improvements, we must manually alter the codes. AI cannot be
accessed and utilized akin to human intelligence, but it can store infinite
data.
Machines can only complete tasks they have been developed or
programmed for; if they are asked to complete anything else, they
frequently fail or provide useless results, which can have significant
negative effects. Thus, we are unable to make anything conventional.
Internet of Things
Internet of Things (IoT), the vast array of physical objects equipped
with sensors and software that enable them to interact with little human
intervention by collecting and exchanging data via a network. The
Internet of Things (IoT) includes the many “smart,” computer-like devices
so commonplace today, which can connect with the Internet or interact
via wireless networks; these “things” include phones,
appliances, thermostats, lighting systems, irrigation systems, security
cameras. vehicles, even animals and cities. Today, smart watches track
exercise and steps, smart speakers add items to shopping lists and
switch lights on and off, and transponders allow cars to pass through
tollbooths and pay the fee electronically.
The IoT simplifies and automates tasks that are complicated and
sometimes beyond the scope of human capabilities. The number of
connected devices making up the IoT today ranks in the billions.
Uses
• Smart home devices. Smart devices are interactive electronics
that use wireless connections to understand user instructions. To
an extent, smart home devices like thermostats and home security
systems can work autonomously to assist with daily tasks. For
example, you may program your smart thermostat to adjust
automatically to a cooler setting before you arrive home from work.
Or, you may receive a security camera notification to inform you
that someone is at the door when you are not home.
• Wearable technologies. One of the most common Internet of
Things examples is smartwatches. Wearable IoT technology like
Fitbits and Apple Watches connect to other devices (like your
smartphone) to share data. They typically also connect to the
internet to track GPS locations.
• Personal medical devices. Personal medical devices like
pacemakers are also IoT devices. Remote medical devices can
help monitor and share a patient's vital signs or detect early signs
of health issues for fast intervention.
• Autonomous vehicles. Self-driving cars and other connected
vehicles rely on the internet to share real-time information. Sensors
throughout the vehicle help map its surroundings, transmit camera
footage, and respond to traffic signals.
Advantages:
• It can assist in the smarter control of homes and cities via
mobile phones. It enhances security and offers personal
protection.
• By automating activities, it saves us a lot of time.
• Information is easily accessible, even if we are far away from
our actual location, and it is updated frequently in real time.
• Electric Devices are directly connected and communicate
with a controller computer, such as a cell phone, resulting in
efficient electricity use. As a result, there will be no
unnecessary use of electricity equipment.
• Personal assistance can be provided by IoT apps, which can
alert you to your regular plans.
• It is useful for safety because it senses any potential danger
and warns users. For example, GM OnStar, is a integrated
device that system which identifies a car crash or accident
on road. It immediately makes a call if an accident or crash
is found.
• It minimizes human effort because IoT devices connect and
communicate with one another and perform a variety of tasks
without the need for human intervention.
• Patient care can be performed more effectively in real time
without the need for a doctor’s visit. It gives them the ability
to make choices as well as provide evidence-based care.
• Asset tracking, traffic or transportation tracking, inventory
control, delivery, surveillance, individual order tracking, and
customer management can all be made more cost-effective
with the right tracking system.
Disadvantages:
• Hackers may gain access to the system and steal personal
information. Since we add so many devices to the internet,
there is a risk that our information as it can be misused.
• They rely heavily on the internet and are unable to function
effectively without it.
• With the complexity of systems, there are many ways for
them to fail.
• We lose control of our lives—our lives will be fully controlled
and reliant on technology.
• Overuse of the Internet and technology makes people
unintelligent because they rely on smart devices instead of
doing physical work, causing them to become lazy.
• Unskilled workers are at a high risk of losing their jobs, which
could lead to unemployment. Smart surveillance cameras,
robots, smart ironing systems, smart washing machines, and
other facilities are replacing security guards, maids, ironmen,
and dry-cleaning services etc.
• It is very difficult to plan, build, manage, and enable a broad
technology to IoT framework.
• Deploying IoT devices is very costly and time-consuming.