Today machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies are helping solve some of the biggest problems facing companies across the industrial spectrum. Boosting efficiency and production output in areas such as predictive maintenance and repair, defect detection and the optimization of supply chains, they are also starting to impact automated systems. In an increasingly digitized and hyper-connected world, almost every company generates and collects data. Ever more sophisticated machine learning (ML) algorithms can analyze this data to make predictions and refine processes. Combined with other advanced technologies such as the IoT, this is helping manufacturers gain a foothold in today's Industry 4.0 revolution.

The new wave of cobotics--robots that can safely work alongside humans--offers tremendous possibilities for industry. And with artificial intelligence (AI), smart robotics is changing the game. Thanks to new cognitive capabilities, robots can perform more than just repetitive tasks. DirectIndustry e-magazine interviewed Raun Kilgo, Director of the Robotic Process Automation division at technology research firm ISG. DirectIndustry e-magazine: How would you define AI in robotics?