Robotic Revolution
Robotics are another promising field of innovation in their own right. Certainly, there are many different types of robotics being developed, some of which are also infused with AI. These can offer a diverse range of applications, from domestic use (iRobot vacuum cleaners, for example) to more complex industrial use. Some rather well-known robotics include Amazon’s expertise in the field, for example, the robotics it uses to pick and sort products in its vast warehouses. Self-driving, or autonomous, vehicle technology (think Tesla) also is creating more awareness in the robotics field.
So just how is robotics defined and categorized? Basically, robots can be divided into two broad categories: based on their applications and specific purpose and kinematics or locomotion, according to Rank Red’s blog on “15 Different Types of Robots, Explained.” Robots can be roughly divided into those tools that have robotic arms or are stationary, as opposed to wheeled and legged robots. Flying robots such as drones and humanoid robots can be pegged into the latter category.
All this talk about robotics, but what about bots? As defined by Amazon Web Services, bot is an automated software application that performs repetitive tasks over a network (such as the Internet). It follows specific instructions to imitate human behavior but is faster and more accurate. A bot can also run independently without human intervention. Chatbots, used in customer service applications, are one of the most commonly used bot services, as are search engine bots, which can index websites and keywords. There’s also voicebots (think Amazon’s Alexa), spam bots, web crawler bots and social bots. Of course, on the opposite side, bots can also be used as part of malware, or other unethical or fraudulent activities.
Impact of Bots on Innovation
As innovation becomes more of a central focus for today’s modern enterprises, bots have become more prevalent in business. These bots can automate tasks and processes, thereby improving services and freeing up employees to focus on the more important tasks of research and development. Bots can also be used to automate data science and insights tasks, compiling data much faster than a human could alone. Certainly, on a basic level, bots can increase these efficiencies and increase customer engagement.
Thinking bigger picture, while bots are themselves a disruptive innovation, bots also may help usher in the next wave of transformation and Internet growth—the rise of web3 protocols, such as blockchain, the metaverse and crypto currencies. “Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are allowing companies to re-imagine and re-invest in all aspects of their businesses, including their employees,” notes DMG Consulting’s president, Donna Fluss, in her blog, “Smarter Bots Mean Greater Innovation, Productivity, and Value”.
Fluss points out that the future looks bright for companies, both client and vendor sides, and the bot industry. “Bots are compelling because they contribute to organizations in a number of quantifiable ways. Their initial value proposition is that they allow business managers to easily and rapidly create mini-applications and automations. Businesses cannot always afford to wait for IT to fix their issues or deliver new functionality, given the rapid pace of technological change and the cost of traditional IT development,” says Fluss.
Fluss further predicts that, “RPA (robotic process automation) and DPA (desktop process automation) are here to stay, and these automations are going to be embedded into a wide variety of third-party applications. DMG anticipates that there will be open-source libraries of robots to handle all kinds of challenges and to fill many product gaps. Vendors that want to protect their intellectual property will offer their own robots to enhance their solutions. This will add great complexity to operating and technical environments and will increase the need for better RPA control-room and oversight functionality, reporting, and analytics. This will also give rise to complementary sectors and an entire RPA ecosystem.”
Meta Thoughts on AI and Human Insights
Speaking of technology, All Things Insights’ H2 2023 edition of the Insights Spend & Trends Report has been released—and artificial intelligence (AI) is top of mind for many. We discussed the report in the context of AI’s early stages within the insights field, and how the industry seems to be embracing advanced technology with cautious optimism. In “Enhancing Insights by Connecting AI, Human Understanding,” we also look at the seemingly paradoxical themes of AI and human insights—and how they can work together.
If bots are potentially a key part of the metaverse, just what is happening with the metaverse? In “Connecting Reality and Technology Through the Metaverse,” All Things Innovation’s Seth Adler caught up with Leslie Shannon, Head of Trend & Innovation Scouting, Nokia, at the FEI conference earlier this year to discuss the metaverse, its evolving status, innovation and all points in between. This follows the publication of Shannon’s new book, Interconnected Realities: How the Metaverse Will Transform Our Relationship with Technology Forever.
Harnessing Bots to Influence Innovation
Bots have the potential to influence innovation in several ways in the future. We asked ChatGPT to spotlight several benefits:
- Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: Bots can automate routine and time-consuming tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their jobs. This efficiency boost can lead to increased productivity and create more time for innovation-related activities.
- Data Analysis and Insights: Bots can process and analyze large volumes of data at high speeds, providing valuable insights for decision-making. Advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms within bots can identify patterns, trends, and opportunities, aiding innovation by informing strategic decisions.
- Customer Interaction and Feedback: Chatbots and virtual assistants can improve customer engagement by providing instant support, answering queries, and facilitating transactions. Analyzing customer interactions with these bots can generate valuable feedback and ideas for product or service innovation.
- Automated Research and Market Monitoring: Bots can be programmed to monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies. By automating this information gathering process, businesses can stay informed about the latest developments in their industry, fostering a culture of continuous innovation.
- Idea Generation and Collaboration: Bots can facilitate idea generation by automating brainstorming sessions, collecting suggestions, and even contributing their own insights based on data analysis. Additionally, collaborative bots can assist teams in working together more efficiently, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering innovation through diverse perspectives.
- Rapid Prototyping and Testing: Bots can assist in the rapid prototyping and testing of ideas by automating certain aspects of the development process. This can accelerate the innovation cycle, allowing organizations to bring new products or services to market more quickly.
- Personalization and Customization: Bots, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence, can enhance personalization by analyzing user behavior and preferences. This capability can lead to the creation of more customized products, services, and experiences, driving innovation in meeting individualized customer needs.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Machine learning algorithms in bots enable them to learn from experience and adapt to changing circumstances. This adaptability is crucial in dynamic business environments, allowing organizations to evolve their strategies and processes in response to new challenges and opportunities.
- Risk Management and Compliance: Bots can contribute to innovation by assisting in risk management and ensuring compliance with regulations. Automated systems can monitor and analyze data for potential risks, helping organizations make informed decisions while maintaining regulatory adherence.
- Augmented Creativity: Bots can be designed to augment human creativity by suggesting ideas, assisting in design processes, and contributing to the creative thinking process. This collaboration between human creativity and artificial intelligence has the potential to result in novel and groundbreaking innovations.
Thinking Outside the Bot
While the influence of bots on innovation is promising, it’s essential to consider ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and the need for human oversight to ensure responsible and beneficial use of these technologies. That being said, the combination of the growth of robotics, bot services and the rise of artificial intelligence, signals a promising future for both the bot industry coupled with innovation’s specific needs and functions. The future looks bright for bots—and innovation.
Check out the keynote session, “Brunch with Bots,” at FEI 2024, to be held June 10-12. Register here.
Video courtesy of Global Tech Council