Artificial intelligence (AI) holds the promise of a more robust and satisfying society. AI-driven systems could usher in a much more fulfilling and productive business world. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, “Americans see promise in the ways these technologies could improve daily life and human abilities.” These opportunities are made possible through the development of sophisticated AI systems designed to augment and assist in human cognition and work.

 

But as AI starts to enter our everyday lives, human beings have justified concerns about how AI will impact them—in both positive and potentially negative or unforeseeable ways. “Public views are also defined by the context of how these technologies would be used, what constraints would be in place and who would stand to benefit—or lose,” the study continues.

 

By understanding the risks and opportunities associated with AI implementation, individuals and business leaders can make more informed decisions about how to adopt these powerful technologies. As we will find, the “enhancing and collaborative potential” of augmenting AI “stands in stark contrast to the zero-sum predictions of what AI will do to our society and organizations,” as Harvard Business Review (HBR) describes.

 

This article explores the risks and opportunities of human augmentation with AI. It highlights five “common sense” use cases for AI-driven augmentation of human labor, with recommendations for business leaders hoping to adopt AI solutions that will enhance their employees’ capabilities and experiences.

 

What is Human Augmentation with AI?

 

Broadly speaking, AI augmentation involves using artificial intelligence technology to enhance a person’s abilities and performance of certain tasks. This typically means integrating AI systems into existing human processes in order to streamline them or make them more efficient. An example would be using automated facial recognition tools to streamline security screening at airports.

 

Increasingly, “human augmentation” is used to describe the direct, physical application of AI capabilities in immediate human functions. For example, Gartner defines “human augmentation” in the field of information technology as “creating cognitive and physical improvements as an integral part of the human body.” But more often, experts think of augmentation as it applies to human labor or output; such as in an AI-driven analytics analysis or in the execution of physical labor with the support of intelligent robotics.

 

Most People Are Open to AI-Driven Assistance

 

According to a recent study by Pew Research Center, “Americans see promise in the ways [artificial intelligence and human enhancement technologies] could improve daily life and human abilities.” These sentiments even apply to controversial technologies such as AI-driven surveillance and self-driving cars, where more U.S. adults consider these “good ideas” than do not.

 

But a clear distinction is emerging in how humans identify “desirable” versus “undesirable” AI. Specifically, humans typically prefer to be the ultimate decision makers in any given AI application, refusing to turn over the reins to AI completely. As one woman claims in the study, with sentiments consistent with other related results: “I’ve read from scientists that in the near future, robots can end up making decisions that we have no control over. I don’t like it at all.”

 

Humans Want to Retain Control

 

The reasons for these sentiments are clear: although AI can develop a deeper, faster understanding and make recommendations based on data in ways humans cannot, AI often doesn’t make decisions that align with humans’ best interests. “AI-based machines are fast, more accurate, and consistently rational,” as Harvard Business Review (HBR) describes, clearly providing humans with value in their decisions and behaviors. “But they aren’t intuitive, emotional, or culturally sensitive; and it’s exactly these abilities that humans possess and which make us effective,” HBR continues.

 

Businesses are already utilizing AI in ways that keep humans in control while also augmenting their abilities in terms of volume, analysis, efficiency, and results. For example:

 

• Chatbots: AI-driven chatbots are used to interact with customers, helping them find the answers they need quickly and efficiently. Human customer service or support representatives can use chatbots to provide quick results to customers without their intervention; but also, to vet customers in real time based on the nature and severity of their specific needs before engaging them directly.
• Analytics: AI systems can handle analytics tasks far faster and more accurately than humans can, providing insights that help inform organizational decision making. AI-driven analytics solutions allow businesses to quickly identify trends and patterns in customer behaviors, marketplace conditions, and other key data points without requiring human involvement; humans use those insights to drive business forward.
• Robotics: AI robots used in manufacturing and other industrial settings can automate physical tasks or labor, such as welding or warehouse picking. This allows humans to focus on more complex or creative activities that require their expertise, creativity, and emotional intelligence, such as scheduling and workforce management.

5 “Common Sense” Use Cases for Human Augmentation

 

Now that we have considered some of the specific applications of AI, we must also consider the scope of potential benefits as well as their use cases. Here we consider five areas where human augmentation through AI can be beneficial for businesses.

 

1. Increase Safety

 

Heavy-duty industries such as logging, metal works, chemicals, and other drive 2.3 million workplace deaths, 160 million illnesses, and 340 million accidents worldwide, the International Labor Organization reports. To reduce the risk of harm to workers and the environment, artificial intelligence-driven systems can be used to provide automated monitoring of hazardous conditions or execute tasks that would otherwise require risky, manual human labor.

 

2. Cut Out Undesirable Tasks

 

In addition to improving the safety of workers, artificial intelligence can also reduce the volume and difficulty of tasks humans don’t like very much. AI-driven systems can automate mundane, repetitive tasks such as paperwork or data entry, giving employees more time to focus on innovation, problem-solving, or value-adding tasks.

 

3. Improve Employee Satisfaction

 

Automating undesirable tasks is enough to improve employee satisfaction, but AI also contributes to this in terms of the metrics it can deliver on employee satisfaction itself. “AI has the quality to identify informational patterns that optimize trends relevant to the job,” according to HBR. In other words, AI can deliver insights into how workers use their time, how they feel about their work, and how those things affect their productivity, among other insights; organizational leaders can act on those insights to improve employees’ experiences.

 

4. Enable Humans to Find Fulfillment Instead

 

Unlike AI, humans are social creatures who experience sensations of accomplishment when they contribute value to shared goals. AI-driven systems enable humans to engage in activities they find interesting and add value in more nuanced ways; AI performs routine, repetitive tasks instead.

 

5. AI-Driven Organizational Performance

 

When artificial intelligence is used to augment humans rather than replace them, organizations can benefit from improved performance in countless areas—executive decisions, increased revenue, product development, reduced risks, and others. These are perhaps the core reasons organizations look to adopt AI tools, but they must consider how AI will help their employees to realize their success.

 

AI-Driven Support Keeps Humans at the Steering Wheel

 

Consider a popular application of AI: self-driving cars. There are countless publications discussing the potential and risks of this technology. But machine learning is already augmenting the driving experience today, with intelligent cruise control and “lane assist” solutions.

 

At least for today, ideal AI functions will work in much the same way: helping humans do a better job while keeping us in the driver’s seat. No matter how AI evolves, it provides an opportunity for organizations to achieve their goals in ways that also improve experiences for humans—business leaders, employees, customers, and the broader public as well.

 

Partner with Uvation for Your Next AI Initiative

 

Uvation’s experts have a deep understanding of AL and ML applications in business, helping our clients develop AI solutions that augment human potential for the better. Contact us today to learn more about how Uvation can help you with your next technology initiative.