At the recent DevOps Connect event produced by Techstrong on the opening day of RSAC 2025, panelists discussed a crucial distinction in the evolving use of artificial intelligence (AI): Leveraging AI as a copilot rather than replacing human pilots altogether.
The approach highlights a pragmatic pathway for integrating both generative and agentic AI into workplace practices, enhancing human productivity without introducing unnecessary controversy or fear.
The distinction between AI as a pilot versus a copilot is significant. When AI acts as a pilot, it takes over primary responsibilities traditionally performed by humans, potentially leading to concerns about job displacement, ethical dilemmas and technological dependencies. Conversely, when AI serves as a co-pilot, it provides support, augmentation and efficiency gains that enable humans to elevate their productivity, make better-informed decisions,and achieve greater performance.
Adopting AI as a copilot is practical for several reasons. First, it aligns well with the current capabilities of both generative and agentic AI technologies, which, while powerful, still require human oversight to manage complexity, nuance and unexpected scenarios. Second, positioning AI as a productivity enhancer rather than a direct replacement helps mitigate much of the controversy and apprehension often associated with widespread AI adoption.
In practical terms, leveraging AI as a copilot can significantly impact both high-performing and lower-performing team members. For the highest achievers, AI tools help remove tedious, repetitive tasks, allowing them to concentrate on more strategic, high-stakes activities. This not only boosts their productivity but also maximizes their ability to drive innovation and achieve exceptional results. For instance, generative AI tools can rapidly produce initial drafts, code snippets and detailed reports, enabling skilled professionals to refine outputs quickly and creatively.
Similarly, AI tools can also be transformative for team members who historically have struggled with performance. By providing targeted, adaptive support, AI can help lower-performing employees better understand their tasks, organize their workflows and complete assignments more efficiently and accurately. This can lead to noticeable productivity improvements, narrowing the performance gap and contributing positively to team dynamics and morale.
However, this integration strategy carries a cautionary note: Team members who resist adopting AI tools may find themselves lagging behind their colleagues. In an environment where productivity is visibly enhanced by AI, those reluctant or slow to adapt could quickly become the least effective members of their team. Over time, persistent underperformance driven by a failure to leverage available AI resources could even result in job loss, reinforcing the importance of embracing AI as a core component of modern work practices.
This approach was highlighted by industry leaders at the DevOps Connect event, emphasizing that the immediate future of workplace AI is more about augmentation than automation. Rather than fostering fear and resistance by pushing for immediate, radical transformation, organizations are better served by emphasizing how AI can practically and realistically augment human performance.
Furthermore, by promoting AI as a supportive copilot, organizations can adopt a phased approach to implementation. Initial deployment can focus on clear, achievable wins that demonstrate AI’s tangible benefits, gradually building confidence and buy-in across the workforce. As employees become more comfortable with AI tools, companies can incrementally expand AI’s scope, continually enhancing productivity while maintaining strong human oversight.
This incremental adoption model is critical for avoiding common pitfalls associated with AI integration. It ensures employees do not become overwhelmed by rapid technological changes and provides ample opportunity for training, skill development and feedback. This steady and managed transition helps sustain high morale and productivity, fostering a positive organizational culture around continuous learning and adaptation.
Ultimately, viewing AI as a co-pilot rather than a pilot represents a thoughtful, balanced approach to AI integration. It aligns technological capabilities with realistic expectations, supports human capital and positions organizations to thrive in an increasingly AI-augmented marketplace. As emphasized during the DevOps Connect panel at RSAC 2025, this strategy is not just practical—it’s essential for sustainable, responsible growth in an AI-enhanced future.
Register to catch the virtual replay of the DevOps Connect event from RSAC 2025 by Techstrong next month.
