AI is revolutionising the way we work, and one of its most exciting developments is the rise of AI copilots. You’ve probably heard the term thrown around recently. So today, let’s talk about what they are, how they differ from other AI tools, and how they’re used to help people work smarter.
What is an AI copilot?
In simple terms, an AI copilot is an intelligent digital assistant that works alongside you to answer questions or perform actions on your behalf. It’s like a highly skilled co-worker or team member who can offer suggestions, handle repetitive tasks, and help you make better decisions, all in real-time.
You can also think of it in terms of aviation, where the copilot sits beside the pilot and assists in navigation and takes control when needed. It’s the same idea within the context of software. An AI copilot isn’t designed to replace you but to support and elevate your work. Whether it’s managing your inbox, analysing data, generating financial reports, or writing code, an AI copilot lightens your workload by orchestrating workflows, handling repetitive tasks, and answering context-dependent questions.
How are AI copilots different from chatbots?
We’re all probably most familiar with AI chatbots, which have become extremely popular additions on websites, in apps, and in software over the last couple of years, especially after ChatGPT entered the chat. AI chatbots are dialogue-based interfaces for users to interact with their data, find answers to commonly asked questions, troubleshoot issues, etc. They provide answers based on pre-set data and instructions.
AI copilots are the next level up the ladder in terms of sophistication and ability. They can manage a broader range of tasks, like automating workflows and providing personalised support based on the user’s preferences, past interactions, and behaviours. And, because they’re more collaborative, they can actually help guide decision making in the moment.
What about AI agents?
AI agents are the most sophisticated of the AI tools (at least for now). AI agents can work autonomously, or semi-autonomously, without human intervention. These systems can take action on their own, using things like planning, reasoning, and memory, to complete tasks and make decisions. Unlike AI copilots, which are built for collaboration, AI agents are built for autonomy. And, while they’re not the most widely used yet, they are certainly growing in popularity, especially in the cloud software space. So keep an eye out for much more talk about AI agents in the next few years!
The case for copilots in business software
Given their unique characteristics, you can imagine that AI copilots can be incredibly helpful in business. For businesses to succeed, the ability to achieve more in less time offers a substantial competitive edge. And that’s exactly what AI copilots are designed to do. They can help:
- Automate the “boring” stuff
- Make complex data easier to understand
- Keep all communication relevant and on-brand
- Optimise marketing strategies
- Flag potential risks
- Support decision-making
The possibilities are extensive and getting better every day as more and more companies prioritise this technology.
“When humans and AI collaborate, they can achieve better results together than either could alone.”
T. Alexander Lystad, CTO at Visma