Charting the Future of Agentic Automation: Reflections from My Travels

Author

Sai Vijayendra Madiga, Global Practice Lead AI

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This experience got me thinking about the 5 Degrees of Agentic Automation, a framework that maps out the evolving relationship between humans and machines. It’s not just about what automation can do, but about how it’s designed to collaborate with us—balancing innovation with trust, accountability, and ethics. Let’s take a closer look at these five degrees and what they mean for the future.

The 5 Degrees of Agentic Automation

1. Traditional Automation

At this foundational level, there’s no true agency or decision-making on the machine’s part. Automation here is straightforward: machines follow static, pre-programmed rules, and humans remain in full control.

A common example in travel is manually entering flight details or scanning luggage tags. These systems are reliable but rigid—they work well for routine tasks but lack the ability to adapt if something unexpected happens. Traditional automation is often seen as a stepping stone, offering consistency and efficiency but requiring humans to step in for anything outside the norm.

2. AI-Augmented Automation

This is where machines start to show basic agentic behavior, offering tools that assist humans in performing specific tasks. The focus here is on making human jobs easier, faster, and more efficient, but the machine’s role is still limited to specific scenarios.

For instance, self-service kiosks at airports help passengers scan boarding passes or check in luggage, while AI-powered chatbots handle straightforward queries on airline websites or apps. Generative AI, like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, often comes into play here—providing instant answers to passengers’ frequently asked questions. While helpful, these systems are largely reactive and require human intervention for anything complex.

3. Augmented Automation (Task Specific)

This level represents a significant leap forward. Machines now exhibit task-specific agentic behavior, actively collaborating with humans in real-time. The interaction is dynamic, with machines handling increasingly complex tasks while humans oversee or assist as needed.

In aviation, this might look like AI systems rerouting flights to avoid weather disruptions or optimizing airplane fuel consumption for more sustainable travel. Generative AI models personalize the travel experience further, suggesting custom itineraries based on a passenger’s preferences or streamlining rebooking processes after a cancellation. This level of automation fosters a true partnership between humans and machines, enhancing both efficiency and personalization.

4. Plan and Reflect

At this stage, machines operate with constrained autonomy, managing tasks independently within defined boundaries. Human involvement shifts from direct control to supervisory roles, ensuring oversight during critical moments.

Consider airplane autopilot systems. These systems can manage most of the flight—maintaining altitude, speed, and navigation. However, pilots remain in charge during crucial phases like takeoff and landing or in unexpected situations. This level of automation relies heavily on trust and is designed to handle predictable scenarios while leaving the unpredictable to human experts with years of training and real-world experience.

5. Autonomous Automation

The final degree of Agentic Automation represents full autonomy—machines operating independently with minimal to no human intervention. At this level, machines can make decisions, adapt to changes, and even solve unforeseen problems.

Imagine a fully autonomous airport, where AI systems handle everything from scheduling flights to managing security and even piloting planes. While the potential for efficiency, safety, and scalability is immense, this level also requires significant safeguards, rigorous testing, and a foundation of trust. Without human involvement, the stakes are higher, making transparency and ethical considerations non-negotiable.

Beyond Automation: Keeping Humanity at the Core

What makes this framework truly powerful is its human-centric approach, something we at Roboyo call Human+. As automation progresses through these degrees, it’s not just about what machines can do, it’s about how they empower us.

At every stage, human judgment, ethics, and empathy must remain central. Machines can perform tasks, but humans bring the critical thinking and emotional intelligence needed to guide them responsibly. The goal isn’t to replace humans but to enhance our capabilities, enabling us to focus on meaningful, impactful work while automation handles repetitive or complex tasks.

The Future of GenAI and Agentic Automation

The possibilities for Generative AI and Agentic Automation are endless. In the travel industry, these advancements could lead to a future where journeys are seamless, personalized, and even more sustainable. Beyond aviation, industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and finance are already exploring how these technologies can revolutionize the way we live and work.

But with great potential comes great responsibility. As leaders, we must ask ourselves:

• How do we ensure that automation serves humanity, not the other way around?
• How do we balance efficiency with trust, reliability and accountability?
• How do we design systems that are both innovative and ethical?

Let’s Continue the Conversation

So, what level of automation excites you the most? How do you see Generative AI and Agentic Automation reshaping your field?

We at Roboyo would love to hear your thoughts – book a meeting with one of our team here.

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