A Journey Through the World of Purpose-Built Bots
AI has come a long way! Years ago, the idea that machines could independently respond to emails seemed far-fetched. Today, I want to share my experiences with AI’s advancements, especially Copilot agents and bots that have transformed my workflow.
Copilot Agents: The New Frontier
Enter Copilot agents. These advanced AI systems are designed to assist humans in various tasks, acting as our digital partners. Unlike traditional AI, which requires constant supervision and direction, Copilot agents are capable of autonomous decision-making, learning from their interactions, and adapting to new situations.
Think of them as your digital sidekick, always ready to lend a hand (or a byte). Whether it’s helping you draft an email, scheduling your meetings, or providing real-time insights during a presentation, Copilot agents are transforming the way we work, making us more efficient and productive.
My Personal Experience
Now, let’s dive into my personal experience with AI. Over the last six months, I’ve had the privilege of developing purpose-built bots for document retrieval, contract comparison, and the creation of automated systems that provide autonomous email replies and reports. Trust me, it’s been a wild ride!
Document Retrieval and Contract Comparison Bots
One of my first ventures into AI was creating bots specifically for document retrieval and contract comparison. Imagine having a bot that can sift through thousands of documents in seconds, finding the exact information you need. It’s like having a supercharged librarian (showing my age now) at your fingertips!
Developing these bots required a deep understanding of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms based on Microsoft’s Power Platform and Azure AI. The challenge was to create a system that could not only recognise relevant documents but also compare them, highlighting differences and similarities with pinpoint accuracy even performing redlining where necessary.
And let me tell you, the feeling of seeing these bots in action – retrieving documents faster than any human could, comparing them with meticulous detail – was nothing short of exhilarating. It’s like watching a magician perform tricks, except the magic is all powered by AI!
Automated Email Replies and Reports
Next on my AI adventure was developing bots for autonomous email replies and generating reports. If you’ve ever been swamped with emails, you know how tedious it can be to reply to each one. Enter my automated bots, which could analyse incoming emails, understand the context, and generate appropriate replies.
These bots leveraged deep learning models to understand the nuances of human language and more importantly my tone and my language (no small feet), ensuring that the replies were not only accurate but also felt natural. I targeted these at specific emails around specific topics as I didn’t want to respond to all my email via AI.
But for me the real magic happened when these bots began generating reports autonomously. Imagine receiving a detailed report on your team’s performance or a daily summary of your meetings along with key information needed for each without having to lift a finger. The bots could analyse data, extract key insights, and present them in a clear, concise format.
The Fun and Challenges
Of course, developing these AI systems wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were moments of frustration—power automate flows not working despite looking they should, dealing with unexpected quirks where it would work seamlessly one minute and not the next – but each challenge was a learning opportunity (I sound like my mum now) and resolving these “challenges” is very fulfilling.
Conclusion
As I look back on my journey, I’m filled with a sense of awe at how far I’ve expanded my use of Microsoft’s AI and in such a short span of time. From its humble beginnings in Copilot 365 taking meeting notes for me to today’s use of sophisticated Copilot agents for document retrieval and email automaton, the evolution of my use of AI is a testament to the incredible advancements in technology and the transformative impact it has on our daily lives.
So, here’s to the future – a future where AI continues to evolve, making our lives easier, and our (my) work more efficient. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, a seasoned developer, or just curious about the world of bots, I hope my story has inspired you to explore the endless possibilities of AI.
Stay curious, stay innovative, and don’t forget to have a laugh along the way!
