Hyundai Motors and Boston Dynamics recently invited eight chief human resources officers from global corporations such as UPS, Gap, and Keurig Dr Pepper to their headquarters to discuss the role of human resources (HR) in the era of robotics and AI on the 13th.
Participants experienced demonstrations of the bipedal robot Atlas, the quadrupedal robot Spot, and the logistics robot Stretch created by Boston Dynamics and understood the roles robots can play in industrial settings. They also exchanged opinions on real-world examples and effects of robot implementation, future improvements, and the potential for expanding the scope of robot duties.
They also discussed the prospect that in the near future, robots may evolve beyond simple mechanical devices into entities that connect with humans, and deliberated on the direction of HR where humans and robots can coexist.
A discussion was also held on how to use AI, which has already started to be implemented across various corporate operations, more efficiently. Participants shared examples of AI being utilized in their corporate tasks, including the AI call center assistant operated by global logistics corporation UPS.
At this event, participants agreed that the importance of talented individuals with high technological understanding will grow. They acknowledged that the coexistence of robots, AI, and actual humans in corporations is inevitable, and they concisely expressed that HR should evolve to design the integration of technology and humans and suggest new business models.
Moreover, the chief human resources officers of corporations agreed that leadership that encompasses technology, strategy, and organizational design is necessary to break free from existing HR practices and that various roles must be performed to understand and utilize robotics and AI technologies.
Kim Hye-in, head of HR at Hyundai Motors, stated, "It is significant that chief officers in the field of human resources gathered to discuss the role of HR in the era of robots and AI rather than manufacturing or technological development," and added, "Hyundai Motors will lead the global trend so that HR can suggest the direction of the business beyond traditional roles."
Rachel Salamone, chief human resources officer at Boston Dynamics, assessed that it was "a vibrant meeting," and noted, "It was exciting to discuss how chief human resources officers can empower teams and employees using the innovative and new technologies of AI."