Davos 2026: Automation Anywhere's Ankur Kothari says real AI revolution is in factories and hospitals, not labs

At the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, discussions predominantly revolved around cutting-edge AI technologies and superintelligence. However, Ankur Kothari, the Co-founder and COO of Automation Anywhere, presented a compelling alternative perspective, asserting that the true AI revolution is not confined to research laboratories. Instead, it is actively emerging within factories, hospitals, banks, and government institutions. Kothari highlighted the unique position of AI, stating, "Rarely comes a technology that gets discussed in boardrooms and at the kitchen table at the same time." He emphasized that while the global dialogue often centers on computational power and large language models, the real transformative potential lies in applied AI—technologies that are practically utilized to drive efficiency and productivity. He pointed out that many organizations find it challenging to extract genuine value from AI despite strong leadership backing. This struggle, he argues, is due to structural issues within businesses, where operations span across various systems and workflows, often creating isolated AI implementations. "They want to break silos, but they apply AI in a silo," Kothari noted, stressing that applying AI to flawed processes typically leads to failure. According to Kothari, successful organizations adopt a holistic approach, focusing on outcomes and integrating AI with human agents and systems. He believes that India is particularly poised to lead this transformation due to its vast processes, large population, and extensive datasets. As the country develops scalable and applied AI systems, Kothari envisions India exporting a new operational model that redefines global work dynamics. In the healthcare sector, for instance, AI can streamline administrative tasks, enabling healthcare professionals to prioritize patient care, thereby reducing wait times and enhancing treatment outcomes. Kothari views AI as a means to amplify human capabilities rather than replace them, asserting that the real value of AI lies in complementing human effort, not diminishing it. He predicts that AI will remain a significant influence for decades, akin to the impact of networks during the internet boom. He cautioned against viewing AI merely as a short-term cost-saving measure, framing it instead as a long-term platform shift. While he acknowledges that governance around AI will vary by country, he insists on a universal principle: autonomy in AI must always be paired with transparency and accountability. As for the broader implications of AI, Kothari believes that fear should not hinder innovation. "Paralyzing fear moves innovation somewhere else," he stated. Instead, he advocates for a deeper understanding of AI, shaping its development through open dialogue to ensure it serves the greater good. In this new era of AI, the future, Kothari posits, will not belong to those who create the most sophisticated models, but rather to those who effectively apply intelligence to real-world challenges.