Human in the Loop vs. Human on the Loop: Navigating the Future of AI

In a recent Serco Tech and Innovation Podcast episode, hosts Don Styer, Chief Technology Officer at Serco, Inc, and Michael Arce, External Communications Manager, sat down with Deb Durham, Chief Digital Officer at Serco, to delve into the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The conversation explored the nuances of "human in the loop" versus "human on the loop" systems, the impact of AI on business leadership, and the exciting yet challenging future of autonomous technologies.

Deb Durham provided a clear distinction between "human in the loop" and "human on the loop" systems. She explained, "when we talk about human in the loop, we're really referring to a system where human judgment is directly involved in the decision making. Human on the loop is a little different. It's where the system can operate autonomously, but there's a human monitoring the process and able to intervene if needed." This distinction is crucial for understanding the current and future roles of humans in AI-driven environments.

The conversation also touched on the shift in leadership mindset regarding AI. Deb Durham highlighted the growing excitement among leaders as they learn to trust AI outputs rather than seeking to control them. She emphasized, "Leaders today are starting to get excited... I think the biggest reference is trust and learning how to commit to the outcome versus complete control of the situation. These leaders are encouraging their employees to be brave, to interact with the AI, to learn how to use it, to learn how to integrate it into their products." This reflects a positive cultural change where AI is seen as a tool for efficiency and expansion.

The discussion moved into practical applications, such as using AI to detect fraud. Deb Durham explained how AI leverages sensors to identify anomalies that human eyes might miss, providing humans with critical information to make informed judgments. "Well, one, the automation and the AI, the artificial intelligence, uses the abilities of sensors to see things that the human eyes cannot see. And by doing that, it can pull together an image or pictures or identify anomalies or something that just doesn't look right and analyze it and provide the human with the ability to say, look at this, there is an issue here."

Finally, the episode covered the potential risks of AI, including complacency, loss of accountability, model degradation, and ethical concerns. Deb Durham stressed the importance of continuous monitoring, clear governance, and thoughtful change management to mitigate these risks. She concluded by emphasizing the collaborative future: "The big takeaway in that this isn't about humans versus machines. It's about designing smarter partnerships. When we elevate humans to oversee, guide, or course correct, then we free them up to focus on creativity, judgment, innovation, and better production."

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AI, its impact on the workforce, and how organizations are navigating this transformative technology!

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn more about:

• The practical differences between human in the loop and human on the loop
• How leaders are encouraging employees to embrace AI
• Real-world examples of AI applications, such as fraud detection
• The risks associated with AI and strategies for mitigation
• The exciting possibilities of fully autonomous systems in various sectors