What is the best way to start AI development for automation projects?

I’m new to automation and want to understand how to begin working with AI in real-world projects. Specifically, I’m interested in how to combine automation tools with intelligent systems to improve efficiency and decision-making.

What are the first steps to get started with AI Development for automation projects? Should I begin by learning programming languages like Python, or focus on understanding machine learning concepts first? Also, what tools or platforms are recommended for beginners who want to integrate AI into automation workflows?

I would appreciate guidance on building simple use cases, such as document processing, chatbots, or predictive automation. Additionally, what are some best practices for choosing the right AI models and ensuring they work effectively within automation systems?

Any suggestions, resources, or examples would be really helpful for someone just starting out.