Blog Post Title: From Automation to Augmentation: The Evolution of AI in the Workplace
Summary:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword in the business world for a while now, and its impact on the workplace is undeniable. From automation to augmentation, AI has evolved to become an essential tool in the modern workplace. In this blog post, we will explore the journey of AI in the workplace, from its early days of automation to its current role in augmenting human capabilities. We will also discuss a current event that highlights the potential of AI in the workplace.
The Rise of Automation:
The concept of automation, or the use of technology to replace human labor, has been around for centuries. However, it was not until the 20th century that automation truly took off, thanks to advancements in technology and computing. In the workplace, automation in the form of machines and robots has been used to perform repetitive and manual tasks, freeing up human workers for more complex and creative work.
One of the earliest examples of automation in the workplace was the invention of the cotton gin in the 18th century. This machine could process cotton faster than human workers, leading to increased productivity and profits for cotton plantations. In the 20th century, the assembly line revolutionized the manufacturing industry, with machines taking over tasks such as painting, welding, and packaging.
The Emergence of Artificial Intelligence:
While automation was focused on replacing human labor, the emergence of AI shifted the focus to augmenting human capabilities. AI refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and learning. The term was coined in the 1950s, but it was not until the 21st century that AI truly started to make an impact in the workplace.
From Automation to Augmentation: The Evolution of AI in the Workplace
One of the earliest forms of AI in the workplace was expert systems, which mimicked human decision-making processes to solve complex problems. In the 1990s, machine learning, a subset of AI, gained popularity with the development of algorithms that could learn from data and improve their performance over time. This led to the creation of virtual assistants, chatbots, and other AI-powered tools that could handle tasks such as customer service, data analysis, and scheduling.
The Evolution to Augmentation:
While AI has been successful in automating repetitive and manual tasks, it has also evolved to augment human capabilities. This means that instead of replacing humans, AI is now working alongside them to enhance their productivity and efficiency. In the workplace, this is known as “human-in-the-loop” AI, where humans and machines work together to achieve better results.
One of the most significant examples of augmentation in the workplace is the use of AI-powered tools to assist with decision-making. These tools can analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns and trends, and provide insights to help humans make more informed decisions. This is particularly useful in industries such as finance, healthcare, and marketing, where decisions can have a significant impact on the business.
Current Event:
A current event that highlights the potential of AI in the workplace is the partnership between insurance company Prudential and AI company, Lapetus Solutions. Prudential has adopted Lapetus’ facial analytics technology to streamline their life insurance application process. The AI tool can analyze a person’s selfie to determine their age, gender, and body mass index, allowing for a faster and more accurate underwriting process.
This partnership showcases how AI can be used to augment human capabilities in the workplace. By automating the process of gathering information and making calculations, AI allows humans to focus on more complex tasks, such as decision-making and customer service. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the potential for human error.
In conclusion, AI has come a long way in the workplace, from automating manual tasks to augmenting human capabilities. While there are concerns about job displacement, the potential for AI to improve productivity and efficiency cannot be ignored. As we continue to see advancements in AI technology, it is essential to find ways to integrate it into the workplace in a way that benefits both businesses and employees.
Source reference URL: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191211005166/en/Lapetus-Solutions-Prudential-Collaborate-Innovative-Life-Insurance