In this feature we talk to Blue Prism ’ s Head of AI & Research , Eric Tyree , about the sectors mainly influenced by this type of technology , the real importance of people and the future of our workplaces .
Blue Prism was founded 20 years ago to help create intelligent automation for the enterprise , with a view to transforming the way people work .
Eric Tyree has been with Blue Prism since June 2020 after joining the company from his previous position as CTO and Chief Data Scientist at Carlson Wagonlit Travel . Known for his expertise in artificial intelligence , data science and analytics , Tyree starts by talking about any differences between artificial intelligence and intelligent automation .
He says : “ I don ’ t actually think there really is a difference between the two technologies . Rather it ’ s a combination of the more mechanical robotic process automation ( RPA ) with artificial intelligence , which is the cognitive part . Originally , robotic process automation was really about programming manual work .”
Tyree offers an example of someone setting up an account with a telecoms company . There are various manual processes that need to be addressed , requiring someone to manually pull all the information together , perform applicant ID checks , etc .
He explained : “ People started to realise , ‘ Hey , I could use software to automate all these things . And what ’ s more , we could
112 October 2021