AI Today Podcast #35: Interview with Tom Davenport, Babson College, MIT, and Deloitte — Augmented Intelligence, GDPR, Data Science, and More

Augmented Intelligence

Augmented intelligence emphasizes enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. Tom Davenport explains that while automation fears are valid, historical trends show that technology often creates new opportunities. He notes that many jobs have persisted despite technological advancements, like the number of bank tellers remaining stable since 1980 1. Davenport believes that humans and machines will work together, with each taking the lead in different scenarios 2.

I think the vast majority of situations there will be people working alongside smart machines. In some cases, they'll take the lead, in some cases, we'll take the lead, and they'll just sort of help us.

--- Tom Davenport

This collaboration requires a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.

   

Collaboration Dynamics

Human-machine collaboration is a key aspect of augmented intelligence. Tom Davenport highlights examples like surgical robots, which enhance surgeons' abilities, and other systems where humans improve machine performance. He emphasizes that this collaboration will vary, sometimes favoring humans and other times machines 2.

I think sometimes it'll be 20-80 in favor of us, and sometimes it'll be 80-20 in favor of us.

--- Tom Davenport

Ultimately, the goal is to create a symbiotic relationship where both humans and machines excel together.