Understanding the Different Levels of Automation

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). Below is an overview of the 10 different LOA.

Level 1

The human operator performs the task 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 the action and the human operator decides if it should or should not be completed. 

Level 5

The computer selects the action and implements it if the human operator approves the action.

Level 6

The computer allows the operator restricted time to veto the action before execution. 

Level 7

The computer performs the action and informs the human operator what has been done. 

Level 8

The computer 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 and tells the human operator only if it decides the operator should be told.  

Conclusion 

AI is becoming more and more refined, robotics are enhancing and factories around the world are getting 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.