AI Copilots: From R2-D2 to Jarvis, How AI Technology is Transforming Our Digital Assistants

By - February 12, 2024

Welcome to the cutting-edge world of AI copilots, the latest innovation reshaping our interaction with technology in the workplace. These digital assistants, integrated into popular business applications, are not just tools but partners designed to enhance productivity and decision-making. Leading examples include Microsoft’s Copilot for Microsoft 365, Salesforce Einstein, and Google Gemini. For those with specific needs, creating Custom GPTs offers a personalized solution, like the no-code custom GPT I developed to assist IT leaders in presenting IT project proposals to executives effectively. ChatGPT – IT Project Mentor (openai.com)

Ahead of their time

As I explore the concept of AI copilots, I am reminded of notable figures such as Jarvis from “Iron Man” and R2-D2 from “Star Wars”. R2-D2 represents what we aspire our AI copilots to be: highly skilled in navigation, problem-solving, and occasionally providing comic relief, all while being indispensable to their human counterparts. The key attribute of R2-D2 that mirrors the potential of AI copilots is his proactive, or “agentic,” nature, capable of taking initiative beyond mere advisory roles.

AI copilots today

Currently, our AI copilots resemble diligent but limited assistants. They can organize detailed plans, like an itinerary for a European vacation, but stop short of booking the necessary arrangements. Similarly, while they can identify a meeting time, they cannot finalize the booking. This limitation highlights the current state of AI copilots as helpful yet constrained by their inability to perform actions outside their programmed capabilities.

Looking ahead

The future, however, looks promising as advancements in AI technology, particularly with New Large Action Models (LAMs) developed by companies like Rabbit, aim to elevate the capabilities of AI copilots. These improvements are expected to enable more natural interactions and the ability to execute tasks across various applications, notably on mobile devices, moving us closer to a reality where our digital assistants can not only suggest but also take actions on our behalf.

Learn more about RSM’s AI services by visiting our website and sign up for our Copilot for Microsoft 365 community series (rsmus.com).

Diego Rosenfeld is a principal in RSM’s Boston office, serving as the national go-to-market leader for managed IT services (MITS) and a member of the RSM managed technology services leadership team. As go-to-market leader, Diego oversees MITS product strategy and regional and market-based client engagement teams. He works hand in hand with RSM industry teams to develop managed services that integrate our rich capabilities into scalable, industry-relevant offerings.

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