Problems that take a decade to solve can potentially be achieved in a year with AI, says Automation Anywhere's Prince Kohli

Problems that take a decade to solve can potentially be achieved in a year with AI, says Automation Anywhere's Prince Kohli

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming industries at an unprecedented pace. Several companies are leveraging these technologies to accelerate processes, enhance productivity, and create innovative solutions. India Today was at Imagine AI, in Austin, Texas where we spoke with Prince Kohli, CTO of Automation Anywhere, to explore how AI is revolutionising automation and the ways enterprises can deploy these advancements responsibly without compromising on their digital security.

The power of AI-enhanced automation

"AI isn't about replacing automation; it's about enhancing it," explained Kohli. He emphasised that AI serves as a powerful tool to understand and extract valuable information, which is then used to optimise automated processes. For example, in the banking sector, AI can analyse millions of transactions daily to identify anomalies, flag suspicious activities, and ensure compliance. This synergy between AI and automation enables tasks to be completed with higher productivity and accuracy than ever before.

One significant advantage of AI in automation is its ability to reduce time-intensive processes. "In drug discovery, what typically takes a decade can potentially be achieved in a year with AI," Kohli noted. This dramatic reduction in time is not just limited to pharmaceuticals but spans across various industries, enhancing efficiency and output.

AI tools for seamless integration

California-based Automation Anywhere provides a suite of easy-to-use tools designed to make AI integration seamless for enterprises. These tools are developed to be user-friendly while concealing the complexities of underlying technologies. Kohli highlighted the company's Co-Pilot feature, which was recently launched at the company's annual Imagine 2024 event, and integrates with applications like Microsoft and Salesforce. "We are trying to make sure that companies don't have to understand the complexities of the process or the technology and you can talk to them," he said. This approach ensures that even non-technical users can harness the power of AI to drive productivity.

Training and skill development are crucial for the effective deployment of AI tools. "We allow people to create those tools and provide training on how to use them," Kohli mentioned. For developers, Automation Anywhere offers functionalities like prompt auto-tuning, enabling them to create models and set up guardrails effortlessly. This democratisation of AI tools allows for broader adoption and innovative use cases within organisations.

Real-world applications in India

Kohli shared several success stories from India, including some of the success stories it has delivered to its customers like Tata Sky, Indian Oil Corporation and more, on the tangible benefits of AI-enhanced automation. In contact centres, processes that used to take 6-8 minutes are now significantly faster due to AI's ability to pull relevant customer information instantly. "When it's an email, the AI can parse the data and provide a comprehensive answer to the query," Kohli said, highlighting how AI agents are evolving from basic support tools to intelligent assistants.

Document automation is another area where AI is making a substantial impact. By understanding and processing documents quickly, AI accelerates processes like Know Your Customer (KYC) verifications, credit card applications, and house loans. This is particularly advantageous in a populous country like India, where resource management and efficiency are paramount. "Manufacturing can also leverage AI automation," Kohli added, noting how AI can identify irregularities on assembly lines, improving quality control.

Responsible deployment of AI

While the benefits of AI are clear, responsible deployment is essential. Kohli stresses the importance of data privacy and compliance, especially in industries like healthcare and finance. Since many of these companies deal with private data of citizens, it's imperative to deploy efficient data security solutions to ensure that none of the sensitive information is compromised.

"We allow data to stay inside their firewalls and provide guardrails to ensure data privacy. These companies also have control over how long their data stays in the server and where exactly the data is stored." - Price Kohli, CTO, Automation Anywhere.

The company is committed to enabling secure and compliant AI solutions, offering private and public cloud options with data masking and lifetime settings.

The Indian government is also urged to invest in AI for national security, resource management, and fraud detection. Kohli believes that India can leverage AI to better citizens' lives by implementing robust data privacy laws and fostering a conducive environment for startups. "India doesn't have a choice and should look at these as a great opportunity to take the lead in policy-making," he mentioned.

A future of augmented work

The integration of AI with automation is set to redefine industries and job roles. While concerns about job displacement exist, Kohli is optimistic about the future. "The quality of work went up for everyone," he reflected on past technological shifts. AI and automation will automate the mundane aspects of jobs, allowing workers to focus on more complex and meaningful tasks. This will allow them to focus more on the creative and innovative aspects of the job.

Skill development and a positive mindset towards AI are vital. Kohli advised, "It's more about a mental change and not a skill change." Embracing AI as an augmentation tool rather than a threat can unlock unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth. To conclude, AI-enhanced automation is revolutionising how industries operate, offering faster, more efficient, and smarter solutions. With responsible deployment and a focus on skill development, enterprises can harness the full potential of these technologies, paving the way for a future of augmented work and enhanced productivity.