Human-controlled

Describing something that is directed, managed, or operated by a human being, either directly through physical actions or indirectly through software, interfaces, or predetermined rules. The level of control can vary, ranging from complete manual operation to semi-autonomous systems where human input is required for specific decisions or override functions. The defining characteristic remains the presence of human agency, purpose, and ultimately responsibility for the system's actions. This implies a degree of intention, oversight, and the potential for intervention. The term emphasizes the contrast with systems that operate without human involvement or direction, like those functioning solely through artificial intelligence or automated processes without human intervention in the execution phase.

Human-controlled meaning with examples

• The company invested in a new human-controlled robotic arm for their assembly line. Operators used joysticks to carefully maneuver the arm, placing delicate components with precision. This allowed for greater accuracy compared to their previous automated system, where errors were more frequent and the process was far less adaptable. The human-controlled system also allowed for the easy adjustment of the pace of production.
• A human-controlled drone was deployed to assess the damage after the wildfire. The pilot used a remote control to navigate the drone through the smoke-filled air. The collected images and videos were used to create a comprehensive map of the damage, allowing firefighters to make informed decisions about resource allocation and assess the danger from the fire.
• In the context of cybersecurity, a human-controlled firewall configuration ensures that suspicious network activity can be reviewed by a security analyst. This approach is preferable when the potential financial cost from an attack, the risk of data breach or the legal ramifications, is unacceptably high. Automatic filtering can block common attacks, but only human input can assess the more complex ones.
• The advanced medical procedure relies on a human-controlled surgical robot. The surgeon remotely operates the robotic arms with high precision, providing enhanced dexterity and visualization capabilities. This technology allows the surgeon to perform minimally invasive procedures with greater accuracy, leading to faster recovery times and reduced patient trauma.