The use of intelligent machines in problem solving is becoming a popular concept. There is so much hype about AI today that it is easy to assume that every field and industry requires machines to become more efficient. The recent introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the world of football has sparked a lot of arguments in some quarters. While some people think that we may be losing the essence of the game, others believe that it is helping us to improve the system. Like it is in the world of football, so it is in various other fields. The pertinent question is this: “Can AI help you make better decisions?
When we talk about artificial intelligence (AI), what comes to mind is the ability of machines to replicate cognitive functions of human beings. In many cases, these machines are expected to mimic human behaviour and either carry out tasks or influence how they are executed.
There are different categories of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
For instance, in some regions, traffic offenders are identified by smart cameras. This is an example of artificial intelligence (AI) mimicking human behaviour. The cameras pick out traffic offenders, take shots for evidence and even mail them tickets as punishment. This implementation in many ways saves cost, improves efficiency and eliminates the need to trust.
On the other hand, an example of the second category of AI implementation is the use of detective sensors that are placed on cars. These are elements that advise the driver about traffic situations, like when you are too close to another car or objects.
Another example of this is the Google navigation tool that we use for directions when driving. Such tools do not necessary execute tasks, but advise us on what to do in order to achieve certain results. This category of machines are becoming very popular, and are better described as Augmented Intelligence machines.
The AI and human symmetry
In their simplest form, Augmented Intelligence machines are the category of AI machines that learn from human input. In turn, with the support of these machines, we have the benefit of making more accurate decisions. According to Anand Rao of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Data & Analytics, “there is symmetry with augmented intelligence”. In essence, the machines are first of all trained with human data, and in return we take valuable advice from them in the long run. This goes a long way in answering the question – Can AI help you make better decisions?
AI technology is fast becoming a part of human existence. How far these machines will go in interfering with human activities is still a subject of discussion. In the business ecosystem, the concept of augmented intelligence is already making serious headway by providing better results and improved efficiency. If this is the goal, then AI is definitely heading in the right direction as a solution for the future.
In the words of Dr. John Kelly III, IBM Senior Vice President for Research and Solutions:
“The success of cognitive computing will not be measured by Turing tests or a computer’s ability to mimic humans. It will be measured in more practical ways, like return on investment, new market opportunities, diseases cured and lives saved.”
Car sensors and other similar devices perfectly represent the ways that AI can help you make better decisions.
Obviously, we are in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). The dominant idea within the ecosystem of this technology seems to revolve around the machines that will mimic human behaviour completely. However, we must not forget the other important areas, some of which are already playing significant roles and delivering results in practical ways.
With the symmetry with augmented intelligence, we are already finding clear answers to the all important question – Can AI help you make better decisions?