TL;DR
Augmented intelligence (also called intelligence amplification or cognitive augmentation) is a human-centered approach that pairs AI technologies — such as machine learning, natural language processing, and pattern recognition — with human judgment to improve decision-making. Unlike autonomous AI, it keeps humans in control while enabling faster, more accurate analysis of large data sets. It is already deployed across healthcare, finance, retail, and more, and its value lies in amplifying what people can do, not replacing them.
What is augmented intelligence?
Augmented intelligence focuses on using artificial intelligence (AI) in an assistive role to enhance and work with human intelligence, not as a means of replacing people altogether. Unlike what is depicted in sci-fi movies, augmented intelligence uses machine learning to improve services and products working alongside and in tandem with human counterparts.
The augmented intelligence definition centers around the partnership between humans and artificial intelligence to enhance cognitive performance by working together to reach new heights. To augment means to improve or enhance something, and this is the exact goal here — to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to enrich programs and systems. Augmented intelligence is also known as intelligence amplification (IA) as well as cognitive augmentation. Augmented intelligence is a form of machine learning that aims to improve human decision-making and related actions.
What is the purpose of augmented intelligence?
The human brain works very differently from a computer. When used together to collaborate, more things are possible. Essentially, augmented intelligence can increase the range of human capabilities. It can use data analytics to predict how a certain target audience will react or the actions they will take. For example, it can be used in online shopping to drive traffic based on the prediction of customer preferences. It can also be used by political think tanks to target and identify undecided voters.
How augmented intelligence increases human capability
Computers can sift through vast amounts of data quickly, and augmented intelligence can help human operators better understand the data and how to use it. Augmented intelligence is more efficient than humans working independently. It can increase business value as well as help people to work smarter and better.
How does augmented intelligence work?
Systems using augmented intelligence use artificial intelligence technologies to complement human output. Augmented AI uses technologies, such as these:
- Machine learning: Systems learn from data to identify patterns and make independent decisions to learn and improve.
- Logical reasoning: This uses logical techniques to rationalize and reach conclusions and deductions based on available data to solve problems and make predictions.
- Spatial navigation: Artificial neural networks are designed to work similarly to the human brain.
- Natural language processing: This works to teach machines how to understand and interpret the human language.
- Machine vision: This enables a computer to see for automatic analysis and inspection.
- Pattern recognition: This is automated recognition of patterns within data by spotting regularities.
Augmented intelligence employs five main functions:
- Understand: Data is fed to the system, which meaning is then derived from.
- Interpret: As new data is input, the old data is analyzed, and new data sets are identified.
- Reason: The new data set then defines results.
- Learn: Humans then provide feedback on the results or output, and the system is adjusted.
- Assure: AI or blockchain technology is used to ensure compliance and security for risk management.
What role does augmented intelligence play in big data?
Big data often comes from data mining. It encompasses large amounts of data that is both structured and unstructured. Data is constantly pouring in. Data analytics is necessary to drive business decisions and make worthwhile and accurate predictions. By 2025, there is expected to be 181 zettabytes of data created worldwide. The introduction of cloud storage and the Internet of Things (IoT) has increased the amount of collection, storage, and analysis of increasingly larger amounts of digital data.
Why big data requires augmented intelligence
The sheer volume of big data requires special tools and technologies to sort through it. This is where augmented intelligence comes in. Augmented intelligence can process these vast amounts of data in a much more efficient and timely way. The deep learning capabilities can help to identify patterns that could be missed by the human eye.
How does augmented intelligence differ from artificial intelligence?
Augmented intelligence uses artificial intelligence technologies. However, while AI is often designed to replace the need for human interactions, IA is meant as a helpful tool to work with people. The main difference is that AI uses technology to drive and make decisions, while augmented intelligence uses humans as the decision-makers and technology as an enhancement aid. Augmented intelligence does not seek to replace human interaction. It merely aims to help people do their jobs better and faster.
| Dimension | Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Intelligence Amplification (IA) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Designed to replace human interaction | Designed as a helpful tool to work with people |
| Decision-making | Technology drives and makes decisions | Humans are the decision-makers; technology is an enhancement aid |
| Goal | Automate tasks independently | Help people do their jobs better and faster |
How is augmented intelligence used?
Augmented intelligence is in use in a multitude of fields and in a variety of ways already. For example, augmented intelligence is being used in the following sectors:
- Retail and online shopping
- Sales and marketing
- Finance and investment companies
- Health care
- Manufacturing and factories
- Airline and airplane autopilot systems
- Political think tanks
- Mobile gaming
Real-world examples of augmented intelligence
Augmented intelligence examples include virtual assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Home. Augmented intelligence can predict patterns and aid in decision-making for customers. For instance, social media often predicts user patterns to determine which ads to show certain people that are most likely to entice them. In the same way, these technologies can suggest new accounts for sales teams, perform regulation and risk analytic tasks in banks, and help to diagnose and offer treatment solutions in hospitals. Augmented intelligence can take historical data and then make a prediction, but the actual decision is up to the human user. An example is streaming services that can offer you show or movie suggestions based on your past history, but it is up to you to decide whether or not to go with the suggested option.
What are the benefits of augmented intelligence?
Augmented intelligence always lets the human have the final say in the decision-making process. The technology can provide the data and the data analysis; then, the human operator determines what to do with this information.
Augmented intelligence can:
- Enhance human decision-making.
- Save time by sorting through high volumes of data.
- Drive business and sales by successfully predicting patterns.
- Remove human error and bias in data interpretation, although bias can be interjected into the initial algorithms used in augmented intelligence during the creation of the system.
- Allow humans to make more accurate data-driven decisions in real time.
The combined potential of humans and machines
Augmented intelligence is meant to increase the intelligence of both parties: the computer and the human user. When used properly in tandem, man and machine can be smarter together. AI and augmented intelligence can open the door for more creativity and new innovations by assisting and enhancing human capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
Is augmented intelligence the same as artificial intelligence?
No. While augmented intelligence uses AI technologies, the two differ in intent. Artificial intelligence is often designed to replace human decision-making, whereas augmented intelligence — also called intelligence amplification (IA) — is built to work alongside humans, enhancing their judgment rather than substituting it.
What technologies power augmented intelligence systems?
Augmented intelligence draws on several AI-based technologies, including machine learning, logical reasoning, natural language processing, machine vision, spatial navigation via artificial neural networks, and pattern recognition.
How does augmented intelligence handle big data?
Augmented intelligence is particularly valuable for processing the massive volumes of structured and unstructured data generated today. Its deep learning capabilities can identify patterns within large data sets that might otherwise be missed by human analysts alone.
Can augmented intelligence introduce bias?
Yes. While augmented intelligence can reduce human error and bias in data interpretation, bias can still be introduced during the creation of the system — specifically through the initial algorithms used to build it.
In which industries is augmented intelligence already being used?
Augmented intelligence is currently deployed across a wide range of sectors, including retail, sales and marketing, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, political analysis, and mobile gaming.
Who makes the final decision in an augmented intelligence system?
The human operator always retains final decision-making authority. Augmented intelligence provides data analysis and predictions, but the human user determines what action to take based on that information.
References
The Neuroscience of Spatial Navigation and the Relationship to Artificial Intelligence. (July 2020). Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience.
Executive Guide to AI. Cognitive Scale.
Big Data- Statistics & Facts. (August 2021). Statista.
