Microsoft is making a big push to integrate its Copilot AI technology into various aspects of its offerings, with some predicting that the company may even rename its annual Build developer conference to Microsoft Copilot. While this year’s Build conference lacked major announcements following previous reveals of new Arm-based laptops and AI features in Windows 11, one standout development is the incorporation of generative AI into Power Automate, Microsoft’s automation platform for processes and workflows.
This new integration allows users to not only record repetitive desktop workflows with Power Automate Desktop but also narrate their actions using the AI Recorder tool. By combining voice and screenshots, these automations become more resilient and less likely to break due to minor UI changes. Sangya Singh, Microsoft’s vice president of Power Platform, emphasized the disruptive potential of this technology, particularly in the realm of Robotic Process Automation (RPA).
In addition to enabling desktop workflows in the cloud, Microsoft is exploring the use of smaller models to potentially run some of the automation processes on users’ local machines. The introduction of AI Flows as part of an early access program further enhances Power Automate’s capabilities by allowing users to describe the desired workflow in natural language, augmented with parameters and source documents, for the generative AI system to create the flow.
For example, an events company could utilize AI Flows to categorize reservation cancellations based on specific terms of service, while a company could assess whether an employee’s business travel booking request complies with internal guidelines. This marks a significant step forward in leveraging AI technology to streamline and enhance business processes.
Overall, Microsoft’s focus on integrating Copilot AI into its offerings signals a broader trend towards incorporating artificial intelligence in automation and workflow management. While this year’s Build conference may not have featured groundbreaking announcements, the advancements in Power Automate demonstrate the potential for AI to revolutionize how tasks are automated and optimized for efficiency and resilience. As businesses increasingly rely on automation tools to streamline their operations, the integration of generative AI in platforms like Power Automate holds promise for driving greater productivity and innovation in various industries.
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https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/21/microsofts-power-automate-no-code-platform-adds-ai-flows/