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Waymo exec probed
The lack of understanding of how technology and humans work interact has stalled the possibilities of innovation and collaboration.
United States senators grilled a Waymo executive, believing that the driverless technology provider relied on offshore workers to control its vehicles.
The executive had to clarify that Waymo’s remote workers in the Philippines communicated with the vehicles only when they were stuck in situations its software could not navigate out of. These offshore workers do not provide steering, braking, or acceleration; they provide remote troubleshooting.
The Senators’ perceptions might have been influenced by social media accounts, news, and even sci-fi movies. However, the coordination between humans and technology isn’t as sensationalized as it’s made out to be.
Human-in-the-loop
Waymo is employing a human-in-the-loop system, an artificial intelligence (AI) methodology where humans actively participate in the machine learning cycle. They train, fine-tune, and test these bots to ensure accuracy and safety.
Every company that leverages AI relies on this process, as new-age tech often struggles with complex and ambiguous data. Humans bring context, common sense, and, in many cases, superior accuracy to nuanced situations.
Initially, people assumed that AI would replace humans and take their jobs. But as we move deeper into the AI age, the most efficient system is one in which humans and bots work together.
A study by the International Monetary Fund revealed that more than half of offshore roles in the Philippines are “highly complementary” to AI. This means that the combination of humans and bots brings greater value than when working independently.
That’s why more experts are convinced that 100% automation is not possible. Machines lack creativity, intuition, ethical judgment, and adaptability. These traits are fundamental to handling everyday processes, especially high-risk ones like driverless technologies.
Unstoppable duo
AI will get better as we progress. Sooner or later, a new machine will upend the current status quo. Not only will it further streamline processes, but it will also open a new world of possibilities for different industries.
Advancements within AI are a call for people to “master the complementary human strengths that no machine can replace,” according to the Harvard Business Review.
Corporations must ensure their employees understand AI’s capabilities and how their human skills can blend with it. Coordination between the two parties must be constantly aligned and intentional, so that technology enhances human judgment rather than replaces it.
It starts with accepting that AI is now part of our lives and will fundamentally change how things operate. For business leaders and policy makers, the question is no longer whether AI will matter, but how we can deliberately integrate it into our lives. Skepticism may slow adoption, but it will not slow progress. Proactivity, however, can turn disruption into an advantage.
The question for your business
Is your company using human-in-the-loop systems?
