The CEO and co-founder of Automation Anywhere, a leading global provider of enterprise process automation, discusses the significant technological shift in artificial intelligence (AI) represented by generative AI and large language models (LLMs). The widespread availability of pretrained generative AI models in 2023 expanded the capabilities of technology, with the real benefits expected to be found in the more complex applications built on top of LLMs, capable of running end-to-end processes without supervision.
Reflecting on the history of technological disruptions, the CEO points out that the core technology innovation itself is not where the true value lies. Instead, the value is derived from the applications built on top of the technology, customized to address specific industry or business challenges. By drawing parallels to the introduction of personal computers and the rise of the internet, the CEO emphasizes the importance of applications in driving value and function for users.
In the future of generative AI, large action models (LAMs) are seen as potentially the killer applications of the generative AI era. Designed to carry out tasks within computer applications that were traditionally handled by humans, LAMs can accelerate process times and enable more agile and efficient operations in enterprises. While current applications based on LLMs have limitations in complex action-taking abilities, LAMs show promise in translating information from LLMs into actionable outcomes.
Despite the potential benefits of LAMs in enterprise settings, there are challenges in adopting these models, including the need for significant compute capacity, governance concerns, and limitations in reasoning and adaptation abilities. Furthermore, connecting LLMs to process automation may serve as an interim solution to address these challenges by allowing for human interaction while maintaining control over business processes that are executed. Overall, the CEO sees generative AI as a disruptive technology in its early stages, with the potential to reshape the future of work.
Looking ahead, the CEO anticipates the evolution of the conversation around LLMs and generative AI as organizations begin to adopt applications like LAMs and explore their full potential across the enterprise. As the killer applications of AI emerge, the CEO sees the excitement around LLMs and generative AI justified, highlighting the advancements in technology that are shaping the future of work. The CEO emphasizes the importance of applications in realizing the full potential of generative AI and the transformative impact it will have on industries and businesses.
