Welcome to 2022! Let’s make it a good one. This week we are talking about Human-in-the-loop – and we have the latest podcast, 4 articles, and 2 awesome candidates that might tickle your fancy!

Human-in-the-loop gathers pace

The future is already here—It’s just not very evenly distributed. Maybe that’s the case with human-in-the-loop (HITL) technology…

Could you incorporate HITL into your business?

Ironically, a lot of new technology applications are getting fantastic results by including humans within the process. A good example of this is the Amazon-backed Deep Sentinel home security cameras. These cameras are on automated alert 24/7, and will be connected to a human agent if the AI detects any activity. Typically a camera feed only needs attention for 2-10 minutes per day.

With the AI managing the majority of the monitoring Deep Sentinel can cover thousands of cameras for each single agent. The technology allows for humans to be involved only when they need to be involved. If something looks suspicious, then they can escalate it to the next action. 

There are endless other possible applications for this HITL technology. And it becomes enormously powerful if you incorporate offshore staffing into this approach. HITL can also help reduce the dependence on full-time human staff, as well as onshore staff, during the current labor shortage.

Here are some ideas:

• Tesla should have a HITL option for driving their cars. If the auto-pilot is not 100% safe, then a human driver could be on standby to steer the cars. 
• With the labor shortage right now, McDonald’s drive-thru orders could be managed remotely from someone sitting in the Philippines. 
• Reception desks for doctor’s surgeries and dentists could also be fully manned by someone working remotely – via an iPad interface.
• Hospitals – currently understaffed – could be supported by offshore nurses helping with patient intake, reporting and triage activities.
• Autonomous drones and delivery vehicles could also have a HITL interface in case the computer gets into a pickle.
• Shopping mall floor cleaners can now be automated, and have HITL assistance if they get stuck.

Instead of moving away from humans completely, I think technology would find a lot of value in adding humans into the loop

The question for your business

Are there activities in your business that can be enhanced by a HITL technology? Customer service, order taking, receptionist?