Invited to Boston Dynamics Headquarters
Exploring the Future Role of HR Management in the Era of Robots and AI
Hyundai Motor Group invited chief human resources officers (CHROs) from global companies to the headquarters of Boston Dynamics to explore future directions for human resource (HR) management using robots and artificial intelligence (AI).
On July 13, Hyundai Motor and Boston Dynamics announced that they had recently invited eight CHROs from global companies such as UPS (United Parcel Service), Gap, and Keurig Dr Pepper to the Boston Dynamics headquarters, where they held in-depth discussions on the role of HR management in the era of robots and AI.
During this meeting, participants directly experienced demonstrations of Atlas, a bipedal robot created by Boston Dynamics; Spot, a quadrupedal robot; and Stretch, a logistics robot. This allowed them to deepen their understanding of the potential roles robots can play in industrial settings. They exchanged opinions on real-world examples of robot adoption, their effects, future areas for improvement, and the potential for expanding the scope of robots’ tasks.
In particular, the group examined the potential for robots to evolve beyond simple mechanical devices into entities that connect with humans in the near future. They also discussed HR directions that would enable humans and robots to coexist.
The discussion also extended to how AI, which is already being applied across all aspects of corporate operations, could be used more efficiently. Participants shared examples of AI being utilized in their respective companies, such as the AI call center assistant operated by the global logistics company UPS.
Going a step further, they noted that AI could expand beyond merely assisting with tasks to being embedded in humanoid robots, thereby becoming "digital colleagues." They paid particular attention to the possibility that a new organizational culture could emerge based on robots and AI.
They also reached a consensus on the need for each company to proactively accumulate relevant data by introducing AI-equipped robots as quickly as possible, since the scope and productivity of robots can advance explosively through integration with AI.
Through this meeting, participants concluded that in the coming future, the importance of talent with a high level of technological understanding will increase. In particular, under the recognition that the coexistence of robots, AI, and actual humans within companies is inevitable, they agreed that HR must evolve to design the integration of technology and humans and to propose new business models.
Furthermore, the CHROs agreed that they, too, need leadership that goes beyond traditional HR methods to encompass technology, strategy, and organizational design. They also acknowledged the need to take on diverse roles that involve understanding and utilizing robotics and AI technologies.
Kim Hyein, Executive Vice President and head of HR at Hyundai Motor, stated, "I believe it is highly significant that chief HR officers, rather than those in manufacturing or technology development, met in person to discuss the role of HR in the era of robots and AI. Hyundai Motor will lead global trends so that HR can go beyond its classical role and even suggest the direction of business for the company."
Rachel Salamon, Chief Human Resources Officer at Boston Dynamics, described the meeting as "energizing" and said, "It was exciting to discuss with fellow HR leaders how we can empower our teams and employees by leveraging innovative and new AI technologies."
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