Organisations need to rethink their approach if they are to really embrace true autonomy, says Caspar Lund, head of AI at Sopra Steria Norway
Are we really heading towards autonomous operations? Or have we become comfortable stopping at “digital”? That was the question I posed at a recent AI Conference in Norway, where I delivered a clear message: If we are to realise the potential of artificial intelligence we must dare to think differently, radically differently, about how we run our businesses.
Today, everyone talks about digitalisation. Sensors. Dashboards. Data. But digital is not the same as autonomous. Digitalisation is about improving existing processes using technology. Autonomy is about redefining those processes and letting technology do the job. Artificial intelligence should lead to better decisions – not replace them.
You need a crazy person at the top
Nicolai Tangen, NBIM’s CEO, put it well in an interview with VG (Verdens Gang, a Norwegian online newspaper). “You need a crazy person at the top. Someone who runs around the organisation like a madman asking: Why aren’t you using AI here and here?” And he’s right. It takes someone willing to challenge the “this is how we’ve always done it” mindset. Someone who brings up AI in every break and every leadership meeting.
In many industries, we already see a proliferation of digital initiatives. But to take the leap toward true autonomy where systems monitor, learn, and act without human intervention we need to start viewing our operations as AI platforms, not just linear processes.
What does autonomy mean in practice?
Autonomy isn’t just about robots and drones. It’s about using AI to make decisions, perform tasks, and improve itself over time. We’re talking about a new level, from analogue and digital to autonomous. What does it take to make that next step?
AI-based systems that adapt in real-time to changing conditions
Automated detection of anomalies using sensors, cameras, and predictive models
Robotic solutions that patrol facilities and report irregularities
- Logistics systems that optimise routes and deliveries based on real-time data, weather, and demand patterns.
But for these to become more than just impressive stand-alone solutions, we must rethink things on a more fundamental level. Here are five pieces of advice for companies ready to think entirely differently:
Forget old processes and redesign from scratch. Don’t try to squeeze AI into current operations. Instead, ask how would we build our business from the ground up with today’s technology?
Build systems that collaborate, not just automate. Autonomy happens when AI solutions are connected. Operations talk to maintenance, which talks to logistics.
Move decisions closer to the data. Let AI act in real time. Don’t wait for manual interpretation, let the system respond instantly to anomalies and opportunities.
Think of machines as colleagues, not just tools. Robots and AI agents do jobs. How do you develop an organisation where both people and machines collaborate?
Share problems and solve them openly. Define challenges and invite partners and the industry to solve them together. Collaboration is the future.
So, what keeps CEOs awake at night?
The short answer includes uncertainty, operational risks, costs and volatility. But there is a way forward, use AI as a catalyst for control, insight, and innovation.
Autonomous operations are not science fiction. They’re a direction. And the question we must ask ourselves is do we want to help shape that direction or be shaped by those who lead the way?
My message to every industry is clear. Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Start now. It might begin with one “crazy” person at the top. But it can end with a whole new way of running operations autonomously, sustainably, and competitively where technology and people work together.