AI vs. Automation vs. Machine Learning

What you’ll explore

• Define AI, automation and machine learning in plain language, and explain how they relate using the nested circles model
• Identify which technology is at work in real-world products and processes by applying a simple three-question test, including products that combine more than one
• Explain why vendor language is often misleading, and ask the plain questions that reveal what a product actually does
• Explain how automation, machine learning and generative AI work together in a technology stack, and compare the trade-offs of each approach to the same business problem, including the human oversight and privacy care each needs
• Evaluate which technology, or combination, best suits a given business problem using a decision framework, and capture it in a take-home Technology Decision Guide

Who it’s for

Professionals who hear these terms constantly but are not sure what they mean Managers and leaders making technology investment decisions Teams evaluating AI or automation tools for their organisation Anyone who wants to hold an informed conversation about technology with confidence