The issue you raise is known as the measurement problem in quantum mechanics, and it is a subject of ongoing debate and discussion among physicists and philosophers. The nature of measurement and the role of the observer in quantum mechanics are complex and still not fully understood.
In standard quantum mechanics, the act of measurement is often described as causing the collapse of the wave function. According to this view, when a measurement is made, the wave function of the system collapses to one of its possible states, which corresponds to the observed outcome. However, the exact mechanism by which this collapse occurs and the relationship between the observer and the observed system are not fully resolved.
One possible interpretation is that the measurement process involves an interaction between the quantum system and the measuring apparatus. This interaction entangles the system and the apparatus, leading to the apparent collapse of the wave function. In this view, the observer is part of the larger quantum system that includes both the measured system and the measuring apparatus.
It's important to note that the concept of measurement in quantum mechanics is not limited to conscious observation by human observers. Any interaction that extracts information from a quantum system, whether it's a particle interacting with a detector or an automated measurement apparatus, can be considered a measurement in the quantum mechanical sense.
Several interpretations have been proposed to address the measurement problem, including the Copenhagen interpretation, the Many-Worlds interpretation, the de Broglie-Bohm theory, and more. Each of these interpretations offers different perspectives on the nature of measurement and the underlying processes involved.
However, it's worth mentioning that the measurement problem remains an open question in quantum mechanics, and there is ongoing research to develop a more complete understanding of the nature of measurement and the role of the observer in quantum systems.