Ihmiskone

Ihmiskone is a Finnish term translating to "human machine" and is used to describe the relationship and collaboration between humans and technology. In Finnish-language discourse, the concept covers a broad range of technologies that augment or extend human capabilities, including prosthetic devices, assistive technologies, robotics, brain–computer interfaces, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence systems integrated into daily work and life. The term is applied in fields such as robotics, human–computer interaction, cognitive science, philosophy of technology, and ethics of technology.

In practice, ihmiskone refers to systems in which human operators and machines work in a cooperative loop. Machines handle data processing, sensing, and repetitive or high-precision tasks, while humans contribute judgment, ethical considerations, creativity, and strategic decision-making. This collaboration is seen in medical robotics, industrial automation with human oversight, and consumer technologies that adapt to user behavior.

Ethical and social considerations include autonomy, privacy, data security, the potential for job displacement, and the risk of over-reliance on automation. Designers emphasize user-centered interfaces, transparency, and alignment with human goals to ensure that technology supports rather than undermines human agency.

See also: human–computer interaction, cyborg, prosthetics, assistive technology, automation, AI ethics.