Artificial intelligence and robotic process automation are being used to help federal agencies in their digital transformation strategies. As part of my detail with the IBM Center for The Business of Government, I met with several thought leaders across government about this topic, as well as practitioners across IBM. This helped me glean key insights on how leaders may incorporate robotic process automation (RPA) as a precursor to artificial intelligence (AI) in their workforce and workplace. For example, I had the opportunity to hear directly from Margie Graves, the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the US, at a meeting of the National Academy of Public Administration this past July as she touched on ways to tackle implementation of AI. She also described that the best way to view AI is in three different phases: assisted AI, augmented AI, and autonomous AI.

Accenture has acquired a financial services firm that specializes in using artificial intelligence and robotic process automation in corporate and commercial lending, the company said Wednesday. TargetST8 Consulting, which was founded in 2013, focuses exclusively on the financial markets, serving banks and investment firms in the U.S. and Europe, Accenture said. TargetST8 provides customers with digital lending solutions that include deploying artificial intelligence and robotic process automation, according to Accenture. "TargetST8 consultants are known for their deep expertise, innovative digital solutions and outstanding project delivery--particularly in their implementation of Finastra's Loan IQ solution," said Alan McIntyre, who leads Accenture's banking practice globally. "The addition of TargetST8 will enhance our ability to help our commercial and corporate lending clients improve their processes and transform their businesses."