Automated machine learning pairs sophisticated data collection with human-created algorithms that segment historical data so analysts can use it to predict future outcomes. It’s used in every industry — manufacturing, finance, health care, information technology, commerce and more — to solve problems and make decisions. 

In this article, you’ll learn about the importance of automated machine learning, data scientists’ roles in the process and common careers that use machine learning. 

In science fiction movies and TV shows, the future is overrun by machines and robots that become so smart, they take over the world and threaten to extinguish humanity. 

In reality, automated machine learning is created by data scientists so that non-scientists can gather information and make informed decisions.  

The “automated” part of automated machine learning, which is sometimes shortened to AutoML, is important because it allows data architects to collect data and build algorithms based on historical facts. It can be found in every sector of our economy:

AutoML enables data analysts to make data-based business and operations decisions. The automation of the process is designed to remove human error, but it isn’t intended to remove humans from the process of collecting and analyzing data.

Here are four examples of automated machine learning in action:

When you complete an online form, your information is likely churned through a sales and/or marketing software. The software assigns a lead score to your form so the business can target you with specific messages based on the information you included in your form. 

When a large social service agency, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, collects information from emergency rooms around the country, it uses software and algorithms to watch for patterns. It uses that data to inform health care providers, pharmaceutical companies and the public about things like new influenza strains or lung injuries associated with vaping.

When you type a question into a search engine, like Google, the search engine collects information to generate results that answer your question. Search engines also use automated machine learning to deliver relevant ads to users.

When investment managers make financial decisions for clients, they often use software or cloud-based applications to monitor markets and inform their predictions about gains and losses.

One of the myths surrounding automated machine learning and artificial intelligence is that they eliminate the need for data scientists. This couldn’t be further from the truth.  

Data scientists play essential roles in AutoML, including:

Automated machine learning and artificial intelligence aren’t synonymous terms. The difference between AutoML and AI comes down to what each does with the data it collects — AutoML generates reports from the data it collects, while AI uses the data to make decisions that humans would make. 

Think of artificial intelligence as a sophisticated if-then formula. For example, AI can be used in a smart home when the owner connects thermostats, security cameras, smart speakers and other technology.  Based on a series of data points, the devices can learn a family’s habits and “make decisions,” such as setting thermostats to different temperatures based on when the home is occupied versus empty.

SAS, an analytics software development company, does a nice job summing up the difference between automated machine learning and artificial intelligence: 

“AI is the broad science of mimicking human abilities, and AutoML is a subset of AI that trains a machine how to learn.”

There are many career paths for people interested in automated machine learning.

Throughout this website, you’ll find a wealth of resources, including online programs for earning a bachelor’s degree in data science and master’s in data science and related fields. You can also search data science programs by state to learn more programs available across the states or check out list of master’s in data science online programs.