Hu+Machine: collaboration key to success for Australian mining – The West Australian

Driven by technology, the world is evolving at a rapid rate, with an increase in accessibility to all. Technology has become the fabric of our new reality, and the Australian mining industry is no different.

In Australia, businesses are accelerating the adoption of machines, robotics and artificial intelligence (Al), with 80 per cent of companies reporting AI is starting to make a presence in some form. Weve already seen great strides in mining, with autonomous transport in the form of trucks and trains, as well as self-healing equipment in plants and mining sites which proactively interact and work with technicians.

According to research by the World Economic Forum, 54 per cent of employees will need to be upskilled or reskilled by 2022, and by 2025, machines will be performing more than half of the work tasks, compared with the 29 per cent they do today.

AI gives humans superpowers in the form of amplification, interaction and embodiment. The way work is performed, where it takes place, who is responsible for tasks and how we reward employees is being reimagined.

By 2022, 58 per cent of tasks will be performed by humans and 42 per cent by machines and algorithms. Its predicted by 2021 there will be 7.5 billion active bots working in tandem with humans.

However, it is no longer a matter of Human vs Machines but rather Human + Machines.

Industries have successfully used technology and automation to improve efficiencies for decades. Thats nothing new. But the emergence of human and machine collaboration is.

Humachines (not to be mistaken with cyborgs), is a form of superintelligence which combines the smarts of big data and machine learning with a humans analytical, creative and intuitive mindset. Already, 49 per cent of business leaders believe its going to be the answer to achieving their strategic objectives and push the boundaries of how we work.

In fact, its expected AI enabled human and machine interfaces will replace one third of applications by 2024. Additionally, 49 per cent of business leaders believe the Human + Machine collaboration is important to achieve their strategic priorities. With humachine intelligence set to grow within the next five years, the Western Australian resources and mining industry has much to gain. At a time when the industry is going through unprecedented change, the opportunity to make a positive impact on climate sustainability, safety and the elimination of waste through the collaboration between human and machine is immense. Experts in human and technology collaboration, Accenture, calls this Triple Zero. This includes:

So, what does the future roadmap look like for the human workforce?

Its about redefining roles, exploring new business models and adapting to a more digitally savvy and fluid workforce, where we harness the power of machines to amplify human capabilities on the mine site. Machines are not just technology driven tools anymore, they are the next generation of employees.

Accenture Australia & New Zealand Natural Resources Lead Ann Burns said this wasnt a man versus machine scenario, its about how the two could co-exist and accelerate productivity in tandem.

Business leaders who look to understand and embrace the power of human and machine will find innovation will be rapid, and it will present new opportunities to make things better, easier, faster, smarter, safer and more sustainable.

For the mining industry, it will enable companies to tap into machine and human collaboration as the reality to their future success, unlocking new growth for WA and Australia.

Accentures Perth innovation hub works with global companies from all the resources and energy sectors to drive transformation and real innovation for them to grow at pace and scale. Visit the Perth Innovation Hub website to find out more.

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Hu+Machine: collaboration key to success for Australian mining - The West Australian