Automation

Like most office workers, two years ago at the start of the pandemic my employer moved our non-operational staff from the office to the home. Although my wife and son initially had to work remotely too, they didn't stay long and have since then returned to work and school. Yet, here I still sit the only human being at home for eight hours a day.

Innovations in the automation industry, driven by new technology like AI, are transforming how businesses manage repetitive tasks.

Right now, automation can refer to a wide range of technologies — from complex machines like robot arms to relatively simple computer software that automates work like data entry and processing. 

These key trends show how the automation industry is evolving right now, and where the industry is likely to go in the near future.

We are currently in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which includes the data and technology used to link people and machines globally. 4IR includes everything from artificial intelligence (AI) to 5G to smart infrastructure.

In a study by the Center for Sustainable Development, Southern Santa Caterina, Brazil, scientists took an in-depth look at how COVID-19 ushered in the 4IR faster than expected. With more people forced to work from home, businesses had to embrace technologies they'd not yet considered. Advances in healthcare saw some of the biggest changes, including telemedicine. 

MINNEAPOLIS, June 23, 2021 – Perforce Software, a provider of solutions for enterprise teams requiring productivity, visibility, at scale within the SDLC, released the results of a global survey of automotive technology professionals today. Key findings suggest ongoing concerns with software safety, security, and quality; the growing effects of electric and autonomous/connected vehicles on development, and the continuing focus on standards compliance.

The fourth industrial revolution is all about automation and the internet of things (IoT). Industry 4.0 drives innovation and introduces new ways for people to be more productive. It changes the scope of everything from the types of jobs available to how humans perform those tasks. 

The World Economic Forum found connectivity has reached a global scale. There are approximately 8.5 billion devices connected to the IOT. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for automation and remote work, advancing the IOT faster than expected.

Technology is enhancing our quality of life in our personal and professional realms. In business, AI-driven tech and automation software are revolutionizing entire industries and enhancing operational efficiency. There are many benefits that technology brings to the table in the modern business environment, and the features that AI and automation provide can help business leaders make better decisions over the long term.