HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN DESIGN
OF A3: AUTOMATION, AUTONOMY, AND
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
2021
Automation, autonomy, and artificial intelligence (AI) are technologies that extend human capabilities by performing tasks independently, often in a human-like manner. These technologies, collectively referred to as "A3," include machine learning (ML), which allows systems to learn from data and adapt to new situations, either with or without human oversight. While full autonomy is still a future goal, current A3 systems require human collaboration to function optimally. The terms automation, autonomy, and AI are often used interchangeably, but they differ in the degree of self-direction and task replacement they offer. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for integrating A3 technologies effectively into complex systems.
Authors:
Ben D. Sawyer, Dave B. Miller, Matthew Canham, and Waldemar Karwowski