Humans & Machines

Overview and Current Challenges

Overview

A machine is a physical or virtual entity composed of multiple components that function in unison to carry out diverse and complex tasks. In this digital age, we frequently interact with a plethora of machines such as computers, robots, aircraft, industrial machinery, medical equipment, among others. A fundamental attribute of these machines is the harmonious cooperation between humans and sophisticated technology, as they work together to accomplish complex tasks that were once considered impossible. With each passing day, the line between human and machine blurs even further portending a future wherein intelligent machines play a crucial role not just as instruments, but also as indispensable collaborators in all spheres of existence.

Challenges

To fully realize the potential of the human-machine collaboration (HMC), we must overcome a number of challenges that can impede our ability to work together effectively. These challenges include issues such as building trust, establishing clear communication, considering human factors, providing appropriate access & control, and addressing ethical and legal considerations. These, among many others, are the challenges SEYOLA aims to address and are breifly discussed below:

• Access - giving access to intelligent and powerful machines to everyone may introduce challenges, as these machines have the potential to be used for malicious or harmful purposes. This risk could be compounded by the fact that some individuals or organizations may not fully understand the risks associated with using these machines.

• Trust - humans may not trust machines because they lack human-like qualities such as empathy and intuition. Building trust requires transparency, clear communication, and a track record of consistent and reliable performance by the machine is crucial for bridging the gap.

• Communication - humans and machines often use different languages and modes of communication. Machines need to be able to interpret and respond to human language, including verbal and non-verbal cues. At the same time, humans need to understand the limitations of machine communication and be able to provide clear and concise instructions.

• Human factors - human factors such as emotions, biases, and cognitive limitations can impact the success of human-machine collaboration. Machines need to be designed with these factors in mind, taking into account human cognitive and emotional capabilities, as well as individual differences in experience, skill, and expertise.

• Control - humans need to have a sense of control over machines, particularly when they are working together in high-stakes environments. Machines need to be designed to provide feedback and alerts to humans when they are making decisions, and humans need to have the ability to override machine decisions when necessary.

• Ethical and legal considerations - the HMC raises a number of ethical and legal questions related to issues such as privacy, accountability, and liability. Machines need to be designed to respect human rights and protect sensitive information, and legal frameworks need to be established to address issues such as responsibility for machine actions and decisions.