‘Human-in-the-loop’ model remains essential for AI

AGBI

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• Need to learn from past
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Artificial intelligence is poised to complement and augment human capabilities, not replace them, according to a tech expert speaking at an AGBI event last week.

Noel Tock, the founder of digital agency Human Made, emphasised the importance of the “human-in-the-loop” model. 

“For critical tasks such as analysing medical reports, human oversight remains essential until AI attains a high degree of reliability,” Tock said.

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This collaborative approach involves AI performing tasks with human checkpoints, a nuanced strategy that considers the nature of the problem, the level of trust in AI and the potential risks involved. 

“Flexibility in designing these collaborations ensures that AI operates within the constraints of the human framework.”

However, US strategy consultant Michael Bayler underscored the need to learn from the past before integrating AI.

Social media, once hailed as a positive force, has brought about unforeseen negative impacts on mental health, fuelling feelings of addiction, anxiety, depression and isolation, according to US-based psychiatric hospital McLean.

Similarly, 80 percent of digital transformation projects failed or suffered delays in 2021, research by cloud database platform Couchbase showed.

To avoid repeating the disappointments of past hype cycles, Bayler explained that businesses must engage in thoughtful conversations before incorporating AI, focusing not only on its technological aspects but also on its impact on values and stakeholders.

“AI did not magically appear but is built on existing components such as data science and machine learning.

“To harness its potential, organisations must approach AI as a strategic decision led by CEOs and boards, considering corporate purpose and the diverse values of stakeholders,” he said.