AI, robotic process automation gain steam in state government StateScoop

Artificial intelligence and robotic process automation are emerging as the most promising technologies for state IT offices, according to new data revealed at a government technology and leadership conference in Indianapolis this week. Doug Robinson, the executive director for the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, on Tuesday offered a preview of his organization's 2019 survey data, which shows that 65 percent of state CIOs believe AI and robotic process automation will be the "most impactful" emerging technologies for state government within the next three to five years. Robinson said it is an increase from 57 percent in 2018, with AI and robotics stealing interest away from other technologies such as the "internet of things," connected and autonomous vehicles and blockchain. State technology leaders see growing potential in the ability to automate many of their business processes, Robinson told the audience at the annual conference of the National Association of State Technology Directors. Indiana CIO Dewand Neely, who joined Robinson on stage, said he sees robotic process automation -- software tools that can automatically carry out tedious processes that could once only be done by humans, such as data entry -- as especially pertinent for the Indiana Office of Technology.