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As we look to Hollywood for our data on AI – out of control robots taking over the world or coming back from the future to change history – it’s no wonder we get scared. But the other day I saw an image that perfectly illustrates the problem with this thought:
A robot tries to give a prisoner a piece of bread, which he presses flat against the prison bars. A man trains the robot to turn the slice sideways so that it fits and it successfully feeds the prisoners. Then, when the robots are unable to fit a bowl of water through the bars, they try the same solution: turn it sideways. The bowl goes through the fine, but the water spreads to the floor.
AI doesn’t have to worry about us making decisions or taking our jobs. AI can present data, but people are needed to provide data. While this may seem like a simple, one-sided task that can then spiral out of control, humans need not only to train and explain, but also to sustain AI operations in the long run. These three roles are important for a healthy relationship between AI and humans. By balancing the speed and accuracy of AI with human ability to detect right from wrong, you can create a powerful mix that will radically change the direction of your business.
Why people will always need
AI has not yet replaced business people, and probably never will. Responsibility for Explaining an AI Imagine how a specific action could harm a person: a process that involves training, interpretation, and long-term sustainability. Humans train machines to perform certain tasks. Every human being has to explain the expected results of every action. Then, over time, companies need to ensure that AI systems are accurate, secure, and responsive.
AI training takes data points. The harder or more complex AI is, the more data points you need to train it. But no amount of data points can replace tasks that need to have a human touch – something AI can never do. The behaviors and emotions that come naturally to humans – such as a joke and laughing, or the experience of sadness and crying – are quite complex for the machine. Even if they are able to reproduce them, those expressions can never be authentic. On the other hand, tasks that are simple for a machine, such as analyzing gigabytes of data in seconds, are almost impossible for a human being – which is why business today requires both capabilities.
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Why mixed is best
The greater impact of AI will be on complementing and enhancing human capabilities, not replacing them. AI provides accurate information at the right time and can generally enhance the ability to analyze and make decisions much faster. You will soon discover data points that need to be adjusted and be able to make business decisions that would otherwise take you another six months to a year to see only with human involvement.
The mix of AI and humans will radically change how things are done and who does. Take a relatively simple task like basic graphic design in the last 20 years: an expert was once needed to retouch a small image in Adobe Photoshop. Now, anyone can download an app on their phone, touch a photo with their finger, and do what it took weeks for a professional in a matter of minutes. Nevertheless, people continue to innovate in graphic design. Instead of replacing people, AI works safely alongside them to improve activities in places like factories, warehouses or even laboratories. Even surgeons now use robots and AI because they help perform the surgery better. With state-of-the-art sensors, motors and moving parts, AI helps people make everything better.
Related: Here AI will not be able to do that
How to make the perfect mix
In order to get the most value out of AI and create the perfect mix, activities need to redesign the workflow process to incorporate employees’ skills that maximize their ability to provide AI support. To get started, look for operational areas where AI can improve Think of something exceptional. Engage staff in research and development (R&D) to rethink your processes and ways to replace them with AI.
Then, start collecting data. AI requires a lot of data points, so the sooner you start collecting the better. Once you introduce AI and advanced analytical techniques into the process, previously invisible problems that were much more visible to AI solutions begin to surface. Be prepared to constantly rework your workflow to optimize both AI and humanitarian work.
While watching movies may seem like AI can play a human role, machines lose all functionality in training, interpreting and sustaining humans – otherwise they will always spill water until taught. Without fear, AI should be embraced. By automating tasks and collecting data, you can free up manual time and energy that people can spend in more valuable areas. Without AI, businesses today would fall behind rapidly; But without people, AI can do little for business. By creating the perfect mix where AI removes work so that human skills are maximized, you can end up with a more efficient, productive and profitable company.
Related: 5 Ways Artificial Intelligence Transforms Creativity In Business
