Some areas of AI are further along in adoption than others. One of those areas is in recruiting. Already, there are companies that are marketing services to review hundreds (or thousands) of applicants and give each candidate a "score" based on multiple factors.The potential pitfall is that the output from some of these systems may have a disparate impact on a protected group. The most notable example was a system being developed (and rejected) by Amazon that did not like women. Thus, HR needs to have a seat at the table when these systems are being considered.

As I noted last week, I'l be talking at CBIA's Employment Law Conference on the topic of "Artificial Intelligence & Analytics for HR: Recruiting, Retention & Engagement" next month. Joining me on the panel is Doug Smith, the SVP Client Delivery at Tallan, which has offices in the Greater Hartford area. I thought it might be enlightening to ask Doug a few questions about AI and Analytics in the Workplace before our talk. He was gracious enough to humor me with answers to my questions. Is there really a place for data analytics in HR?

While it may be some time before we commute to work in flying cars or seek a transfer to our company's lunar outpost, another concept once thought outside the realm of modern reality is now increasingly ordinary in the contemporary workplace: working side-by-side with robots and machines capable of artificial intelligence. This article provides an overview of some of the ways in which these once-futuristic technologies are being integrated in today's work environment, and offers best practice suggestions for human resources professionals and in-house counsel adapting to these developments. We have reached the point of "minimum viability" when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) – we can now count on the reliable use of AI products to perform meaningful work. Long past are the days when AI was little more than a novelty (remember asking iPhone's Siri whether it was raining outside?). The technology to integrate AI into necessary functions is now available, the data needed to power AI has been accumulated, and investors are pouring money into AI systems to make them a worthwhile part of everyday life. Having reached minimum viability, we now stand on the cusp of revolution.