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Autonomous Systems
Article

Autonomous Systems

Autonomous machines are made up of many systems working together with different functions that can sense, plan and act based on changing variables.

Microsoft, 2021


Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Overview
  • Background

Recommendation

Microsoft’s “explainer” describes how the future is autonomous, and Microsoft is on the cutting edge. “Project Bonsai” is a user-friendly interface that helps subject experts with no coding experience. After learning various methods to approach a task, AI can respond accurately and effectively to evolving environments. Autonomous systems work with human operators to optimize resources, solve complex problems, reduce waste and give workers time to learn new skills. Using Project Bonsai, companies can coordinate the best minds, aggregate their knowledge and build more robust solutions that can adapt to dynamic conditions. 

Summary

Autonomous systems will eventually replace mechanized and automated systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented economic disruption due to its global impact. It forced manufacturers to innovate quickly when their human workforce was unavailable. Plans for integrating AI went into overdrive. The challenge was to create AI-powered systems to coordinate with people, freeing them from dangerous and dirty work. Some ways they can assist are:

  • Navigating new challenges by offering calculated advice to workers.
  • Assisting operators as they conduct complex operations.
  • Acting autonomously to complete assigned tasks.

With expertise programmed into AI, and distributed across autonomous or semi-autonomous systems, manufacturers improve productivity, reduce onboarding resources for new hires, and maintain knowledge that future hires can use. When taught various methods for approaching a task, AI can respond accurately and effectively to evolving environments. It draws on the best minds, aggregates their knowledge and offers solutions.

AI can manage systems in a way that is proactive rather than reactive. They can...

About the Author

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology corporation that produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers and related services.


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