A method and system for providing automatic assistance in operating a machine. A current operation performed by an operator of the machine (1) is detected, and data related to an estimated intention of the operator is generated based on the detected operation. A state of the estimated intention of the operator is then determined. The state indicates, for example, the reliability or strength of the estimated intention. The operation of the machine (1) is altered based on the estimated intention and the state of the estimated intention.