As automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics improve, it may be increasingly tempting to employ automatic means to accomplish industry goals. The degree to which a task is automated is referred to as levels of automation (LOA). These levels can be summed up as the following:
- Level 1
The human operator performs the task without assistance and turns it over to the computer to implement. - Level 2
The computer helps by offering a complete set of decision or action alternatives. - Level 3
The computer helps determine and suggests options, narrowing down the selection. The human operator can choose to follow the recommendation. - Level 4
The computer suggests one action and the human operator decides if it is or is not the right option to implement. - Level 5
The computer selects the action and executes it if the human operator has approved the action. - Level 6
The computer selects the action and offers a restricted amount of time before the human operator can veto automatic execution. - Level 7
The computer automatically performs the action and informs the human operator what has been completed. - Level 8
The computer automatically performs the action and informs the human operator only if the human operator asks. - Level 9
The computer performs the action when instructed and informs the human operator only if the computer decides the operator should be told. - Level 10
The computer performs the action if it decides autonomously that it should be done. The computer tells the human operator only if it decides the operator should be told.
AI is becoming more and more refined, robotics are enhancing and factories around the world are becoming increasingly smarter. With all these industrial advancements constantly in motion, understanding the Levels of Automation is an integral first step for any job within the automation sector.
Further reading: Embracing Diversity in the Workplace With Help From AI
