human-machine teaming (HMT)
What It Means
Human-machine teaming is when people and AI systems work together as equal partners on complex tasks, with both sides able to take the lead and hand off responsibilities as needed. It's different from traditional automation where machines just follow human commands - instead, both humans and AI can make decisions and adapt their roles based on the situation.
Why Chief AI Officers Care
This approach can dramatically improve productivity and decision-making quality, but it requires careful design of workflows, clear policies about when AI versus humans should take control, and significant change management. Poor implementation can create confusion about accountability, regulatory compliance issues, and employee resistance that undermines AI investments.
Real-World Example
In a financial trading operation, an AI system monitors market conditions and executes routine trades, but hands control to human traders when it detects unusual patterns or regulatory concerns. The human trader can then investigate, make judgment calls, and hand control back to the AI once the situation is resolved, with both learning from each interaction.
Common Confusion
People often think this just means having AI tools that humans operate, but true human-machine teaming means both parties can initiate actions and make independent decisions. It's not about human-in-the-loop oversight, but genuine collaborative partnership where control shifts fluidly between human and machine.
Industry-Specific Applications
See how this term applies to healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government, tech, and insurance.
Healthcare: In healthcare, human-machine teaming enables clinicians and AI systems to collaboratively diagnose, treat, and monitor p...
Finance: In finance, human-machine teaming enables dynamic collaboration between traders, analysts, and AI systems for investment...
Premium content locked
Includes:
- 6 industry-specific applications
- Relevant regulations by sector
- Real compliance scenarios
- Implementation guidance
Technical Definitions
NISTNational Institute of Standards and Technology
"The ability of humans and AI systems to work together to undertake complex, evolving tasks in a variety of environments with seamless handoff both ways between human and AI team members. Areas of effort include developing effective policies for controlling human and machine initiatives, computing methods that ideally complement people, methods that optimize goals of teamwork, and designs that enhance human-AI interaction."Source: NSCAI
"methods and approaches for coordinating the functions and actions of (semi) autonomous machine capabilities and human users, which are granted equal weighting."Source: Poore_Lawrence_ARLIS_2023-01
Related Terms
Discuss This Term with Your AI Assistant
Ask how "human-machine teaming (HMT)" applies to your specific use case and regulatory context.
Start Free Trial