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While you're zipping through the grocery store self-checkout, your smartphone buzzes with a spot-on movie recommendation. This might seem like everyday stuff. But there’s far more to it.
Welcome to the age of automation and AI, which are quietly changing our daily lives.
The grocery store self-checkout is a form of automation. The movie recommendation is from a brand-new app that uses your mood to pick a film from across all major streaming platforms.
But the distinction between AI and automation isn’t always so clear-cut. The two are like cousins on a family tree of tech innovation – and between them is a spectrum of technological capability.
Understanding where a particular technology falls on this spectrum is crucial for businesses and individuals alike, as it informs decisions about adoption, implementation, and the potential impact on the workforce.
Knowing the difference between automation and AI can help you spot job trends, pick up in-demand skills, and maybe even kickstart an exciting new career path!
Let’s get into the differences and overlaps between automation and AI, how they're transforming industries, and what it means for your career.
Despite critical AI breakthroughs being far more recent than automation, they are already reshaping our world. Here are some poignant examples.
This branch of AI is a data powerhouse. ML algorithms are the driving force behind:
These algorithms continuously learn and adapt from data, improving accuracy over time.
For example, Google uses machine learning powered by user feedback to catch and filter out over 99.9% of spam, phishing, and malware before they reach your Gmail inbox.
This is the tech behind:
According to Fortune Business Insights, rapid advancements in AI and ML have significantly improved the accuracy and performance of NLP models.
As of 2023, its market size is valued at $24.10 billion, with high growth expectations.
AI is making strides in medical imaging, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans.
For example, medical imaging systems can help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately. These systems can analyze vast amounts of medical data, identify subtle patterns that the human eye might miss, and recommend personalized treatment plans.
A study published in the journal Radiology found that using an AI model with high diagnostic accuracy improved radiologists' ability to detect lung cancer on chest radiographs.
Many applications blend automation and AI for more powerful results:
Smart factories use automated production processes guided by AI systems. These can perform a range of tasks, from adjusting operations based on real-time data to using vision systems for quality control checks.
AI-powered robots can:
According to Deloitte research, smart factories can increase throughput by up to 20% and reduce maintenance costs by up to 30%.
As an example, take the Siemens Electronics Works Amberg (EWA). Every year, the factory manufactures about 17 million Simatic products.
But that’s not even the crazy part.
Most of the production is automated, with 75% of the value chain handled independently by machines and robots – achieving a quality standard of 99.9990%. Among the many technologies deployed in the factory, they report that shifting from manual to AI-powered, automated visual inspection reduces costs and saves time.
Companies like Amazon use AI algorithms to optimize warehouse operations, create better demand forecasts, plot delivery routes, and help robots detect, select, and handle individual products.
Integrating AI and automation technologies reduces costs, improves delivery times, and enhances customer satisfaction.
Autonomous vehicles are a prime example of the overlap between AI and automation.
The car's ability to physically navigate roads and control steering, acceleration, and braking is pure automation. Mechanical systems and sensors handle these tasks, working together to execute pre-defined actions based on road conditions and traffic signals.
However, AI capabilities provide the "brains" of the operation.
AI algorithms process massive amounts of data from sensors like cameras, lidar, and radar. This allows the car to perceive its surroundings, make split-second decisions on when to accelerate, brake, or change lanes, and even learn from new experiences to continuously improve its driving.
The agriculture sector is taking even larger strides with integrated AI and automation:
John Deere's See & Spray technology combines machine vision and machine learning with automated spraying systems to spray herbicide on weeds precisely.
By avoiding spraying the rest of the field, John Deere estimates that farmers can save up to two-thirds of their herbicide solution – saving money and the environment.
As these technologies evolve, we're sure to see even more innovative applications combining automation and AI's strengths. These integrations are, and will, change how work gets done, disrupting entire industries and creating new opportunities.
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As automation and AI reshape industries, they also transform the job market. What exactly does this technological shift mean for the workforce, and how can you prepare for the jobs of the future?
As automation takes over routine tasks, the demand for human skills that machines find difficult to replicate is rising.
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023 ranks today’s most in-demand skills.
It’s worth noting that AI and big data rank 7th for skills growing in importance today, with a 60% growth in demand predicted by 2027.
A 2023 Accenture report finds that, on average, 43% of U.S. workers tasks could be reinvented by automation. Unfortunately, some other jobs might not be reinvented but replaced entirely.
According to McKinsey, anywhere from 75 million to 375 million workers may need to switch occupational categories and learn new skills by 2030.
However, it's not all doom and gloom.
The same technologies that are creating disruption are also creating new job opportunities. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation, but at the same time, it will create 97 million new jobs.
Some of these new in-demand roles include data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI ethicists. Engineers and technicians will probably be supported by AI advancements, but the chances of complete replacement are low, as these are professions that can work more on automated machines and control AI systems.
For those whose jobs don’t disappear entirely but will evolve, adaptability is their path forward.
Take truck drivers, for example. As semi-autonomous trucks become more common, the role of truck drivers might shift to become "freight managers" who oversee the autonomous systems, handle complex navigation decisions, and manage logistics.
Recognizing the urgent need to upskill workers, companies like Amazon and AT&T are investing heavily in training programs to help their workforce adapt to new technologies.
The future of work isn't about humans versus machines — it's about humans and machines working together.
Machines excel at processing large amounts of data, recognizing patterns, and performing repetitive tasks precisely. Humans, on the other hand, bring creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence to the table.
Collaboration can enhance productivity and job satisfaction by allowing each to focus on their strengths.
For instance, in healthcare, AI can analyze medical images to detect potential issues, but doctors provide the final diagnosis and develop treatment plans. This partnership improves accuracy while freeing up doctors to spend more time with patients.
Others who expect AI to be a collaborator – rather than a threat – are service jobs and desk workers. According to HubSpot’s State of AI Survey, 35% of customer support specialists believe AI can help them spend less time on manual tasks. 77% of desk workers, too, believe that automating routine tasks would improve their productivity.
Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the wave:
Additionally, to navigate this transition successfully, individuals and organizations need to invest in upskilling and reskilling programs.
Remember, change brings opportunity. By understanding these trends and preparing accordingly, there’s no reason you can’t position yourself for success in tomorrow’s job market.
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While integrating automation and AI offers tremendous potential, it's not without its challenges.
Another pressing concern is high implementation costs. Integrating AI and automation involves substantial upfront investments in hardware, software, and infrastructure.
According to Dialpad’s State of AI at Work survey, 37% of respondents said that their company was not using AI tools because of a lack of budget.
These expenses can be particularly challenging for small and medium-sized businesses. Unfortunately, this might widen the technology gap between large corporations and smaller competitors.
Another technological hurdle is the “black box” effect, where it becomes difficult to understand how exactly the AI system is making decisions. This lack of transparency can raise ethical concerns, especially in high-stakes areas like healthcare and finance.
Despite these challenges, the integration of automation and AI is an undeniable trend that will continue to charge ahead.
As automation and AI transform industries, mechatronics – a multidisciplinary field blending mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control systems – is emerging as an attractive career option.
Mechatronics professionals are uniquely equipped to design, build, and maintain the intelligent systems that power our automated world. Their versatile skill set allows them to understand both the hardware and software components of automated and AI-driven systems.
A mechatronics background, both with and without other specializations, opens doors to a wide array of career paths:
Getting started in mechatronics isn’t as hard as it seems!
Unmudl's comprehensive mechatronics courses provide a solid foundation in the core principles and skills needed to excel in this dynamic field.
Let's take a look at Unmudl’s mechatronics pathway and how it prepares you for a rewarding career in automation and AI.
This beginner-friendly course lays the groundwork for a career in mechatronics.
It covers essential topics like mechanical systems, electronic circuits, programming basics, and safety protocols. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in advanced manufacturing, performing tasks like machinery maintenance and troubleshooting.
This Level II course is designed for those with some experience, who are interested in industrial technician and maintenance roles.
Through a series of online modules aligned with SACA certification, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of advanced manufacturing, electrical systems, mechanical components, motor control, and pneumatics.
After completing this course, you will be prepared to maintain and troubleshoot material handling equipment. Successful graduates are well-positioned for maintenance technician roles.
This specialized course focuses on virtual equipment maintenance, providing hands-on practice through simulations. You'll explore robotics, fluid power systems, mechanical and electrical systems, and motor controls.
Graduates are well-equipped for roles such as robotics and electro-mechanical technologists.
Geared towards those with some experience in motor controls and electrical components, this course dives into the intricacies of control systems.
You'll learn about electric circuits, motor control, sensor logic, PLCs, pneumatics, and Industry 4.0 concepts. Throughout the course, learners develop their skills through formal learning and hands-on work with virtual simulations.
By the end, you’ll be ready for roles in electrical and electronics repair, as well as commercial and industrial equipment. It lays the foundation for your control systems technician or lead career.
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Unmudl isn’t just an online learning platform — it's your direct pathway to a fulfilling career in the high-demand fields of automation and AI.
We design our courses to make you job-ready upon completion, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience.
Unmudl's mechatronics pathway, in particular, is designed to catapult you into a career in automation and AI. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to upskill, our courses have got you covered.
Take the first step towards a rewarding career in automation and AI by starting a free trial with Unmudl today!
