This article was based on the interview with Peter van der Putten, Director of the AI Lab at Pega by Greg Kihlström, MarTech keynote speaker for The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Listen to the original episode here:
Artificial intelligence (AI) as augmented intelligence is a concept that focuses on the collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and effectiveness in various fields. This approach emphasizes the idea that AI should not replace humans, but rather assist them in their tasks, making them better at what they do. By working together, humans and AI can achieve better results and drive innovation in ways that would not be possible with either one alone.
One example of AI as augmented intelligence is the use of generative AI tools like Gen AI for productivity hacks. These tools can help individuals and organizations generate new ideas, solutions, and content at a faster pace, allowing them to be more creative and efficient in their work. By leveraging AI in this way, employees can focus on higher-level tasks that require human creativity and problem-solving skills, while AI handles repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
Another example is the use of AI in learning and training, as demonstrated by the Socratic approach mentioned in the podcast transcript. By asking questions and guiding learners through the learning process, AI can personalize and target educational content to individual needs and skill levels. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also helps individuals acquire new knowledge and skills more effectively.
In the context of enterprises, the increasing democratization of AI tools and processes presents opportunities for reskilling and upskilling employees. Rather than viewing AI as a threat to job security, organizations should embrace AI as a tool to empower their workforce and enhance their capabilities. By investing in AI literacy training and encouraging employees to use AI to augment their work, companies can stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the digital age.
However, there are still companies that have a total ban on using AI, missing out on the benefits of augmented intelligence. These organizations risk falling behind their competitors and failing to adapt to the changing landscape of technology and innovation. By adopting a more open-minded approach to AI and recognizing its potential to enhance human capabilities, companies can unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
AI as augmented intelligence offers a promising path for organizations to harness the power of artificial intelligence while empowering their workforce to achieve greater levels of productivity, creativity, and success. By embracing AI as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement for human workers, companies can leverage the unique strengths of both humans and AI to drive innovation and thrive in the digital age.
