Augmented intelligence refers to the assistive role artificial intelligence (AI) can play in improving human decision-making, which is different from the popular conception of AI in which computers replace humans. A subset of AI, augmented intelligence seeks to center the ways humans and machines can work together, rather than remove the human element from certain work.
Augmented Intelligence Definition
Augmented intelligence is a subset of artificial intelligence in which AI technologies assist humans rather than replace them. It’s typically done using machine learning to analyze data and help humans make smarter decisions.
What Is Augmented Intelligence?
Augmented intelligence is designed to work with humans to enhance their capabilities, rather than remove humans from the picture. It relies on machine learning and deep learning to crunch through reams of data, which humans then use to make decisions and take action.
Humans can use augmented intelligence to enhance their capabilities and tools. This is especially true for industries that employ data science and analytics.
In retail, for instance, augmented intelligence can suggest the optimal store layout and product placement to merchandisers based on shopper data, such as foot traffic patterns. The medical field is also benefiting from augmented intelligence, with surgeons and healthcare providers receiving recommendations on patient treatments based on a mountain of medical data, research and the patient’s own medical record history.
“Artificial intelligence is one of many, many different technologies,” Frances Karamouzis, a VP analyst at research firm Gartner, told Built In. “And augmented intelligence is a manifestation or outcome of how you choose to implement those AI technologies.”
How Augmented Intelligence Works
Augmented intelligence uses AI and machine learning to gather structured and unstructured data from multiple sources, which it then analyzes and interprets. When teamed with humans, augmented intelligence systems have the benefit “of a bigger picture on common sense,” which AI systems tend to lack due to their deep and narrow view of data and information, Subbarao Kambhampati, professor at Arizona State University’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, told Built In.
For example, two supercomputers programmed to play chess may attempt to finish the game despite a fire in the office, whereas a supercomputer playing chess against a human would be instructed by the human to turn itself off.
“If I want a future where we are essentially replaced, then this is the future we are inventing with AI systems,” Kambhampati added. “But if I want a future where humans have a productive role to play, then augmented intelligence will become more and more increasingly important.”
Augmented Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence: What’s the Difference?
The goal of AI is to show intelligent behavior that mimics the human mind, automating processes and making decisions without any human intervention. This goal, however, has yet to be reached. Augmented intelligence is designed to show intelligent behavior too, but it’s different in that it works with humans to improve the task being performed or the decision being made, said Heni Ben Amor, associate professor at Arizona State University’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence.
Augmented Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence seeks to automate processes by delving deep into data to yield answers and operate autonomously. Augmented intelligence uses AI technologies but in a fashion where humans are kept in the loop and play a key role in making decisions.
Social intelligence is also a key differentiator between AI and augmented intelligence. When it comes to technology, social intelligence is a feature of augmented intelligence that allows for the understanding of both the task and actions that the human is seeking to do before they do it, Kambhampati said.
AI systems don’t need to have much social intelligence because they are designed to work autonomously. But with augmented intelligence, social intelligence is required because it needs to give humans explanations about what it’s doing and allow people to advise it about what it should be doing in a way similar to how humans interact with one another, Kambhampati explained.
How Augmented Intelligence Is Used
Enabling Self-Driving Cars to Navigate Safely
Self-driving cars may imply no human oversight, but that isn’t the case. In fact, Tesla vehicles use augmented intelligence. Although its autopilot and full self-driving software are being developed so that cars can largely navigate roads autonomously, a human driver must be ready to intervene during emergencies, like cars suddenly pulling into the driver’s lane or slamming on the brakes on short notice.
Helping Retailers Identify Store Bottlenecks
Retail is one industry that has a lot to gain from augmented intelligence. The technology can be used to analyze customer and storefront data to improve operations both online and in person. Data visualization company RadiusAI uses augmented intelligence to suggest to retailers where bottlenecks are occurring in their stores that could impede sales, or where product placements may get noticed more. But it’s up to humans to then make those changes and optimize retail operations based on suggestions from the augmented intelligence system.
Suggesting Diagnoses and Treatments
AI and healthcare have proven to be an ideal match, and augmented intelligence in the healthcare industry is no different. With augmented intelligence, medical professionals can comb through patient data quickly and receive actionable insights and recommendations. One example of this is VisualDx’s use of augmented intelligence, which culls through its expansive curated medical image library. With this technology, dermatologists receive recommendations about the types of skin diseases and skin problems that may be affecting their patients.
Analyzing Blood Tests to Detect Cancer
When augmented intelligence is applied to blood test data sets, it might even be able to detect cancer. Biotech company Freenome uses biological analysis of data sets to cull through blood tests looking for early warning signs of cancer with its augmented intelligence technology. With the enhanced blood test results, physicians are armed with additional information to treat patients.
Evaluating Financial Risk Factors
In the finance industry, augmented intelligence can help teams assess individual risk factors and make safer decisions. For example, Zest AI deploys machine learning models that compile and review data to determine individual risk factors. Underwriters can then produce an accurate risk score for each individual to help them decide whether to approve loans. Through this same process, insurers can also better address issues like fraud and misreported information.
Supporting Customer Service Teams With In-Depth Insights
Virtual assistants and chatbots can serve as collaborators for customer service representatives, offering real-time tips. Wing Assistant builds virtual assistants that can be tailored to customer service environments. In addition to supplementing customer service reps during phone calls, Wing virtual assistants can conduct customer surveys and generate findings that customer service teams can turn into actionable insights.
Resolving HR Cases and Employee Queries
Augmented intelligence can sift through a company’s databases, providing timely information to both employees and human resources teams. ServiceNow’s Now Assist combines generative AI and automation features to support HR personnel. The tool can produce summaries and action steps for HR cases, leading to faster resolutions. It can also quickly retrieve information when employees conduct online searches.
Creating Forecasts to Guide Manufacturing Operations
Manufacturers often rely on augmented intelligence to catch errors before they cause disruptions. DataRobot aids in this endeavor with its AI platform and applications. The company’s generative and predictive AI can create forecasts in areas like project risk, product quality, parts failures and material costs. Manufacturers can then adjust their strategies accordingly to complete projects on time and within budget without unexpected equipment issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Augmented intelligence vs. artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence refers to the broader field of building machines that can simulate human abilities and complete tasks that require human intelligence. Augmented intelligence is a subset of AI that focuses on using AI to enhance — rather than replace — human abilities through a collaborative partnership. As a result, the two terms complement each other.
What is an example of intelligence automation?
A common example of intelligence augmentation is the use of virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri. Instead of making decisions for users, these tools provide information that users can factor into their decision-making.
What is the difference between assisted and augmented intelligence?
Assistive intelligence refers to machines that simply automate tasks without participating in decision-making processes. Meanwhile, augmented intelligence involves machines not just automating tasks, but also taking on a more collaborative role in sharing insights and helping humans make decisions.
