AI translation under human supervision: Human-in-the-Loop

AI translation uses artificial intelligence engines to translate texts quickly and efficiently. However, in a professional setting, it’s not simply a matter of generating a machine translation: it’s a process supervised and managed by professionals throughout the entire project, from the receipt of the document to its delivery.

At Okodia, we use private AI engines as part of a Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) approach. Artificial intelligence generates a first draft, which is then reviewed by professional translators to ensure its quality, terminological accuracy and contextual appropriateness.

This process may also be referred to as machine translation with post-editing (MTPE) when the translation generated by the AI engine is subsequently reviewed and proofread by a professional.

Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) is an approach that combines the speed of artificial intelligence with supervision and control by professionals. AI generates a first draft of the text, which is then reviewed, proofread and adapted by a professional translator to ensure it’s accurate, natural and appropriate for the sector and the target audience.

In this model, artificial intelligence streamlines the process, whilst the professional retains control over quality and the end result.

AI translation under human supervision uses artificial intelligence to generate an initial translation, which is then reviewed and proofread by a professional translator. This process is also known as machine translation with post-editing (MTPE, Machine Translation Post-Editing).

The main difference lies in human intervention: whilst machine translation generates content without subsequent linguistic review, AI translation under human supervision involves a professional who checks aspects such as accuracy, terminology, style, consistency and contextual appropriateness.

Both solutions combine technology and linguistic expertise, but the roles of artificial intelligence and the translation professional differ.

Augmented translation uses artificial intelligence tools and other technological resources to assist the translator throughout the process. The technology acts as a support to streamline certain tasks, whilst the professional retains control of the translation process.

With our AI translation under human supervision, the professional controls the entire process: we analyse the project, configure and guide the AI to achieve the best possible result, which is then reviewed by a team of human translators to correct any errors and ensure compliance with the client’s specifications. We then apply all the necessary quality controls to detect any potential errors and, finally, format the translated text so that the client receives a document ready for publication.

HumanAI+ is the trade name of the service, and Human-in-the-Loop is the method we use within it.

Yes, AI translation can deliver reliable results when it forms part of a professional process that includes human review. Although artificial intelligence engines have significantly improved, they can still make mistakes relating to context, terminology, style or interpretation.

Review by a professional translator enables these errors to be identified and corrected, and ensures the content is fit for purpose and tailored to the relevant sector. For this reason, the combination of AI and human supervision offers greater assurance than the use of an automated tool without professional review.

No. Artificial intelligence can streamline the translation process, but it cannot replace the human ability to interpret nuances, resolve grey areas, adapt tone and style, or make linguistic decisions based on the context and purpose of the content.

At Okodia, our HumanAI+ service, with its Human-in-the-Loop approach, combines artificial intelligence, project management and specialist human review. Each translation is supervised by professionals specialising in the relevant sector (e.g. the medical, technical, legal or financial sector) who check the terminology, style, consistency and accuracy of the translation in relation to the original text.

Artificial intelligence therefore helps to streamline the process, whilst professional supervision ensures that the translation meets the project’s quality requirements.

The professional translator checks that the AI-generated translation is faithful to the original content, linguistically correct and fit for purpose. To do this, they review aspects such as specialist terminology, meaning and context, any errors or omissions, grammar, spelling, style, consistency and the natural flow of the text.

Furthermore, when it comes to specialised content, they also tailor the translation to the terminology and conventions specific to the sector.

Yes, provided that AI engines suitable for professional settings are used and the appropriate security and privacy measures are put in place.

At Okodia, we use proprietary engines that guarantee the confidentiality of information and offer greater control over data processing, thereby reducing the risks associated with the use of general-purpose tools readily available to the public.

No. The private AI engines we use at Okodia never use our clients’ documents to train AI models. This helps to protect confidential information and comply with the privacy and security requirements set out by organisations.

The right choice boils down to the type of content, its purpose, the scope of the project, the lead time and the required standard of quality

AI translation under human supervision may be particularly suitable for large volumes of content, repetitive documentation or projects with tight deadlines. On the other hand, certain types of creative content – whether highly specialised or requiring very precise adaptation – may benefit from a translation done entirely by a professional translator.

At Okodia, we analyse the characteristics of each project in order to recommend the most suitable methodology.

AI translation combined with human review can be used for a wide variety of content, particularly when large volumes of information need to be translated within tight deadlines. For example, it can be used for technical documentation, manuals, corporate content, websites, catalogues, internal documentation or certain types of medical, pharmaceutical, legal or financial documentation.

The suitability of this process depends on the type of content, its level of specialisation, its purpose and the quality requirements. Therefore, before starting a project, it’s advisable to analyse the content to determine whether AI translation under human supervision is the most appropriate approach.

General-purpose tools such as ChatGPT, DeepL and Google Translate can generate translations automatically, but users should check the privacy policy, data processing terms and terms of use for each tool and its settings.

A professional AI translation service, on the other hand, involves a process managed by professionals, specialist linguistic review and quality control of the final output. At Okodia, we also use proprietary AI engines and maintain human oversight throughout the entire process.