Intelligence amplification

What is intelligence amplification?

Intelligence amplification (IA) or cognitive augmentation or machine augmented intelligence was first proposed in the 1950s and 1960s by cybernetics and early computer pioneers. Intelligent Amplification, a novice term, is used to describe the effective use of information technology to augment human intelligence.

Intelligence amplification (IA) is often contrasted with artificial intelligence (AI). AI is built on the sole purpose of making the computers smarter with human-like intelligence to perform autonomous workflows. To succeed, AI needs better models and data, and IA aims to fill the lacuna.

In contrast to AI, which is a standalone system capable of processing information, IA is designed to complement and amplify human intelligence.

The whole purpose of intelligence amplifiication is to augment the work, expertise and experience of all types of users, all the way from a customer to a field worker to even a CEO by empowering them with machines that access, interpret, apply, and learn from the meaning hidden within all forms of data on a continuous basis.

Intelligence Amplification has one big edge over AI! It builds on human intelligence which has evolved over millions of years, while Artificial Intelligence aims to build Intelligence from scratch. Experts view that writing was among the first technologies which might pass as IA. It enabled us to enhance our creativity, understanding, efficiency and, ultimately, build on the ultimate intelligence.

Intelligence amplification is also known as cognitive augmentation, machine augmented intelligence, and enhanced intelligence. It essentially focuses on making use of information technology in an effective manner for the purpose of augmenting human intelligence. Sometimes intelligence amplification (IA) is contrasted with AI (artificial intelligence), which focuses on building a human-like intelligence in the form of an autonomous technological system like a computer or a robot. Artificial intelligence has faced quite a few fundamental obstacles, practical as well as theoretical, which aren’t that much of an issue for intelligence amplification because it just needs technology as an extra support for an autonomous intelligence (human intelligence) that has already proven to function.

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How does intelligence amplification or augmented intelligence work?

Systems that use intelligence amplification, also known as augmented intelligence, have the abilitiy to collect all types of data - structured as well as unstructured. This data gets collected by them from a wide range of sources, across disparate and siloed systems and the augmented intelligence systems then present that data in a manner that provides the human users a complete 360-degree view of the information. For example, it could be used in business to give employees a 360-degree view of every customer. The insights pulled from that data and presented to the user are deeper and greater than they could have been without these systems. 

Becuase of this, employees have a greater amount of information about the things that are happening in their industry, they have a better understanding of what might affect their customers, and they get a better idea of the opportunities or threats that might arise. This technology is especially powerful because it combines all this information with the human touch.

What are some real-life applications of intelligence amplification?

Some examples of intelligence amplification being applied in real life are shown here across several domains, fields, and industries.

1. Retail

Integrating intelligence augmentation technology into shopping applications can make it easier for Shoppers to find products.

Customers can search item numbers, product categories and product names by voice and command the mapping app to provide them store navigation instructions to the product’s location in the store.

2. Engineering

Innovative technology has disrupted manufacturing and production. With IA, there is another tool for maintenance and creation of complicated and expensive machines which makes it easier for engineers to make repairs. For example, NGRAIN, a Canadian 3D imaging company uses 3D analytics to scan and detect minor damage to aircraft and uses the information to repair operations and improve maintenance.

3. Home Decor

IKEA, one of the most well-known home decor companies, created an app with IA technology. It supports both 2D and 3D image recognition and image tracking. With this technology, users can move still photos of furniture and furnishings into an image of a room. It’s also possible to measure the dimensions of the room through the app and allow the users to drop an image of a piece of furniture into the photo. This way, shoppers can see what their Ikea purchases will look like in their home before deciding what to buy.

4. Military

Intelligence augmentation could be used in high-fidelity visualisation which magnifies situation awareness and improved mission planning. Using 3D models, it would be possible to carry out successful operations in defence.

5. Medicine

When it comes to complicated medical procedures, using IA technology could improve them significantly. Researchers all over the globe are developing tools. Cambridge consultants have determined potential solutions by combining CT and MRI scans to build 3D images of a patient’s body. This assists surgeons to perform more precise surgical processes.

6. Finance

Intelligence amplification has quite a few applications in the area of financial services. It helps financial planners in offering personalized services to their clients, according to the customer’s goals, capacity and appetite for risk.

7. Manufacturing

Machine augmented intelligence helps with the the generative design process and speeds it up. A human worker inputs the parameters and the machine figures out several ways of designing the object. The machine then explores this wide range of options in an extremely short amount of time and the human users employ their expertise to pick the best option, thus providing more value to the customers while boosting efficiency.

8. Oil and gas

Intelligence amplification can help with optimizing precision drilling. The human employees would be able to understand the environment they are operating in with a greater degree of accuracy, leading to faster results and less wear, tear and damage to machinery.