Introduction to AI, Automation and Chatbots

Tom Shaw

5 years: Software Developer and Content Creator

In this video, Tom Shaw explains the basics of AI, automation and chatbots. Whether you're curious about how AI works or looking to automate your daily tasks, join Tom as he demystifies complex concepts and how you can boost your productivity and build future-proof skills.

Working with AI

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Introduction to AI, Automation and Chatbots

10 mins 38 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand what artificial intelligence (AI) is and how it works
Understand the concept of automation and its applications
Understand what chatbots are and how they function

Skills:

Technology-driven Advancement

Impacts:

Operational Efficiency

Overview:

The rapid evolution of technology and tools such as AI, automation, APIs and chatbots shape the modern workplace - the important thing to know is that you don’t need to be a coder to benefit from these digital tools! Tom Shaw walks through real-world examples and explains how AI models work and how they are trained.

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Summary

How does AI work?

When computers are programmed to solve problems in ways that resemble human thinking, it is known as artificial intelligence. They can handle tasks like understanding language, recognising patterns, and making decisions. AI models are trained using large datasets, allowing them to predict outcomes based on inputs.

At a fundamental level, AI is predictive maths, using data to make predictions based on user inputs. For example, to train an AI to recognise numbers in images, you’d provide thousands of examples to teach the model what each number looks like in different contexts. While the process sounds complicated, it is important to remember that AI models work by simply using existing data to predict results based on the inputs we provide.

What is automation and how is it used?

Automation refers to tasks performed automatically by machines or software without human intervention. In everyday life, you might use automation to control smart home devices to perform routine tasks without having to operate them manually. In a work setting, automation could involve automatically sorting emails based on their content, saving time and boosting productivity.

You can build automations with no-code or low-code tools like Zapier or Make. While these tools make it easier for non-programmers to create automations, for more complex processes or those that run frequently, it will usually be more cost-effective to write your own code.

What are APIs and why are they important?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API allows two applications to communicate with each other without requiring direct access to the other system’s backend. APIs are key in AI and automation, enabling systems to interact and share data efficiently.

They play a crucial role in automating tasks and integrating different services, making them an essential tool for software development and AI.

What are chatbots?

Chatbots are software designed to automate interactions with users through conversations. Basic chatbots operate on a simple "if this, then that" structure, guiding users through predefined journeys. Modern chatbots are often powered by AI and can understand natural language inputs and respond intelligently without needing predefined options.

Many companies use chatbots to streamline customer service, directing users to the appropriate department based on their problem.

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Tom Shaw

Tom Shaw is a self-taught software developer and content creator from Nottingham, UK. He began his coding journey in April 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns. He has since worked with various companies on diverse projects, honing his skills and expanding his expertise. Tom is also a content creator, sharing tutorials and insights on platforms like YouTube to demystify coding and make technology more accessible. His project, Code Planner, is a SaaS product designed to assist developers in organising and planning their coding projects.

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