What You Should Know About The Rise of Machine Learning & Automation

Machine learning and automation have become a vital part of virtually all industries. Not only do automatic processes and workflows save time, but they also allow businesses to work smarter, be more efficient, and provide better outputs. This is why workers skilled in machine learning automation have become increasingly sought-after by employers. MANCOSA offers a 4IR & Automation short course that teaches students about the challenges and benefits of digital technologies and how to navigate them in the workplace. Discover more.

What you need to know before learning machine automation

Several industry verticals have radically upgraded to an automated system using machine learning tactics and techniques in recent years. This has become the new way of working in many industries. Not only does AI drive enhanced efficiency, but it also promotes cost-effectiveness for businesses. Several industries have undergone radical changes to embrace automation and machine learning, with South Africa’s machine learning market projected to grow exponentially by 2030. Industries that have already seen huge AI and machine learning developments include some of the following:

Manufacturing: This industry was once characterised by manual labour. Automated assembly lines and intelligent robotics are now implemented to perform tasks like electronics and quality control, particularly in electronic manufacturing. Machine learning algorithms also ensure quality control with high-level precision.
Finance: The finance sector has also witnessed a massive shift in the form of automated trading algorithms, payment processing systems, and chatbots for enhanced and efficient customer service.
Agriculture: AI has resulted in precision farming through automated machinery, such as planters and harvesters. It also uses remote monitoring and data analysis to optimise resource allocation.
Healthcare: The healthcare industry has also embraced automatic processes by implementing robotics that can perform tasks in surgeries or diagnostics, medication dispensing, and streamlined lab work.
IT operations: In IT operations, machine learning automation have simplified complex infrastructure. It utilises automated software deployment, server provisioning, and network management.

What is the 4IR?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) describes the ongoing technological transformation with the fusion of physical, digital, and biological technologies. It relates to AI in the following ways:

Automation involves implementing automatic processes across all industries. This allows streamlined operations, tasks, and decision-making, improving efficiency and productivity.
Machine learning involves training algorithms to analyse data, learn from it, and make recommendations and decisions based on these findings.

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What is automation

AI Automation uses technology to perform specific tasks and remove or minimise the need for manual input or human intervention. It involves the creation of systems, processes, and workflows that perform specific actions automatically by following predefined rules and instructions. The primary goal of AI automation is to create seamless processes that improve efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce human error so tasks can be completed faster and more accurately. Some of the main advantages of automation include:

Machinery and technology:It leverages specialised equipment, including simple machines and enhanced AI automation. These machines can be tailored to perform highly specialised tasks with high precision.
Programmability: It allows users to define instructions, rules, workflows, timings, and processes through codes, scripts, or other interfaces. This allows endless customisation based on specific requirements.
Repeatability: It’s good at performing repetitive tasks accurately and consistently, ensuring maximum productivity and quality. While human workers may experience fatigue, AI doesn’t.
Error reduction: Human error can be a big problem in many industries, leading to costly mistakes.Automations eliminate or reduce the human error problem and ensure tasks are carried out precisely and according to predefined instructions.
Scalability: Automated systems can be scaled to accommodate changes, workloads, or trends. These systems are especially useful in industries with fluctuating demands since they can be easily adapted.
Monitoring and control: It allows for in-depth data monitoring of systems. This process provides insights to make optimisations or adjustments to improve output quality even more.

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What is machine learning?

Machine learning is a part of AI that creates algorithms that enable computers and machines to learn and make decisions on their own. In other words, it allows computers to learn independently and improve their performance output by looking at data and patterns. Critical components of machine learning include data input, training, algorithms, and model evaluation. Some of the main machine learning capabilities include:

Language processing: Different machine learning models, especially those in Natural Language Processing (NLP), can analyse and process human language.
Image and video analysis: Machine learning algorithms are exceptionally good at image recognition, video analysis, and facial recognition.
Autonomous vehicle and robotics:Machine learning automation plays a vital role in autonomous cars (that can drive by themselves). These vehicles can perceive their surroundings, navigate safely, and make real-time decisions.
Fraud detection: It can help financial institutions detect fraudulent activities by identifying unusual patterns and anomalies.
Financial forecasting: It’s used in financial markets to predict trends and manage investment portfolios.

There are different machine learning models, including supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement, semi-supervised, and deep learning. Each model type has its own unique benefits and weaknesses — making it suitable to solve different problems.

The human-machine collaboration

Professionals trained in machine learning automation will be in a prime position to take advantage of this new technology in the workforce.

This is because automation machine learning require human collaboration. It leverages the strengths of both humans and machines to achieve more accurate, efficient, and innovative results. Studying a short online programme, such as The 4IR Automation, will help you understand the 4th industrial revolution and its technical challenges and benefits brought by the rapid advancement of digital technology. As a result, you’ll be equipped to adopt these technologies in your industry.

Some examples of how humans and machines work together in different industries include the following:

Medicine and healthcare: Healthcare professionals use diagnostic systems like X-rays or MRIs to a diagnosis faster and more accurately.
Education: AI-powered platforms enable personalised learning tools that educators can customise for their students.
Manufacturing: Humans will oversee the automated assembly lines and processes, inputting the necessary data and instructions and assessing the output for quality assurance.
Finance: Algorithmic trading systems operate under the guidance and supervision of traders, making high-frequency trading decisions based on the market data.

Prepare for the future with automation training from MANCOSA

MANCOSA’s 4IR AI Automation course represents the transformative journey into cutting-edge data science and technology careers. It’s a gateway to a great future career path. As the world comes to rely on AI and machine learning, acquiring the right skills becomes paramount. You can improve your marketability by pursuing an automation course like the 4IR & Automation. Our students are equipped to meet the growing demands of an evolving job market. Join us as you embark on this exciting learning experience that empowers you to grow and thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. Your future begins here.