Cheers to AI: A Distillation of the HR Tools of Today and Tomorrow
By: Dr. Eric L. Demirjian
In a previous article I described how the future of AI is not a Terminator movie, but instead a world where AI becomes a team member, augmenting human ability. As a leader who is passionate about exploring how technology shapes our workplaces, jobs and employees, I’ve found AI to be one of the most transformative tools at our disposal. AI is a broad and diverse set of new capabilities, each with unique strengths, applications, and implications for how we manage organizations and foster productivity. It is a new age bar with new tastes, tools, mixers, and experiences. In this article, we’ll explore this bar through the lens of a distillation company, looking at the AI tools they use today, and the future tools of tomorrow. Before we order though, we need to know some more about our “mixers”, so we’ll look at types and styles of AI, and its functionalities.
Types of AI
AIs can be categorized based on their capabilities: Narrow AI, General AI, and Super AI. Current tool capability relies on Narrow AI, or Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI). Think of tools like IBM’s Watson, Amazon’s Alexa, or Apple’s Siri. These systems excel at specific tasks—analyzing data, playing chess, or scheduling meetings—but they can’t venture beyond their programmed limits. They’re highly specialized but lack the flexibility to tackle broader, human-like challenges.
Next is General AI, or Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This is where things start to get exciting. AGI aims to replicate human cognitive abilities across various work functions, from problem-solving to decision-making. While today’s supercomputers are advancing in this direction, matching the human brain’s capacity remains a work in progress. Imagine an AI system that could seamlessly adapt to any role in your organization—it’s not a question of “if” but “when.”
And then there’s the theoretical frontier: Super AI, or Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). ASI represents a level of intelligence beyond human capabilities, capable of mastering virtually any task faster and more effectively than we can. Some even suggest it could develop human-like emotions, reasoning, and creativity. While it’s a controversial idea, its potential to revolutionize HR and other industries is undeniable.
Styles of AI
The styles of AI reflect how these systems interact with the world. Analytical AI focuses on data-driven insights, making it invaluable for roles like predictive analytics or HR workforce planning. Human-inspired AI combines cognitive and emotional intelligence, allowing it to respond empathetically to employee needs.
Meanwhile, Humanized AI takes things a step further, striving to replicate human behavior in creative and social contexts. The future HR Superteam is a mix of humanized AI, Human-inspired AI and Analytical AI tools working side by side with humans.
AI Functionalities
AI’s functionalities dictate how AI systems operate. At the most basic level, we have Reactive AI, which works in the moment without learning from past experiences—perfect for repetitive HR AI tasks. Limited Memory AI adds another layer by using historical data to inform decisions, making it ideal for improving HR processes over time.
Looking ahead, the concept of Theory of Mind AI and Self-Aware AI spark the imagination. Theory of a Mind AI envisions HR systems that understand human emotions and predict behaviors of workers, while the latter posits AI with consciousness and advanced reasoning abilities. Though these functionalities are still in development, they represent the future of how AI could engage with humans on a deeper, more meaningful level truly creating an innovative HR department of the future.
Case Study: Terminator Distillery
For HR leaders, understanding the nuances of AI isn’t just an exercise—it’s about recognizing how these tools can shape the way we manage talent, build teams, and drive innovation. By embracing AI’s full potential, we can create smarter, more connected, and more innovative workplaces. Let’s dive into the possibilities by putting ourselves into the shoes of the HR manager of the distillery that makes Terminator Whiskey. The integration of AI tools into HR processes will be transformative, offering a range of solutions for today’s challenges and preparing the distillery and its employees for the future.
Current HR Tools
As the Terminator Whiskey HR leader, AI tools revolutionize recruitment by automating candidate assessments and matching them with company profiles. This not only saves time but also reduces bias in the hiring process. For onboarding, platforms personalize the experience, ensuring new hires integrate smoothly and feel engaged from day one.
Employee engagement and performance management at Terminator saw significant improvements with AI tools that analyze employee feedback in real-time, providing actionable insights to enhance workplace culture and productivity. Additionally, talent management solutions help in tracking performance, facilitating continuous feedback, and promoting internal mobility throughout the distillery locations.
Future HR Tools
Looking ahead, the future of AI in HR is even more promising at Terminator Whiskey. Hyper-personalized AI assistants will offer tailored recommendations and support, enhancing both personal and professional interactions. Autonomous decision-making systems will handle complex business decisions, ensuring ethical and transparent outcomes. Human-AI workforces will augment employee capabilities, allowing us to focus on higher-level tasks while AI manages routine and data-driven activities. Emotionally intelligent AI will understand and respond to human emotions, providing empathetic interactions and mental health support. Quantum AI will harness the power of quantum computing to solve the complex HR problems at Terminator Whiskey, enabling unprecedented data processing speeds and capabilities.
The ROI of these AI tools is substantial, with cost savings, improved recruitment and retention, increased employee engagement, and enhanced diversity and inclusion. By leveraging these technologies, Terminator Whiskey can streamline operations, make data-driven decisions, and create a more inclusive and productive workplace, and completely redefine the art of making whiskey. Using AI at Terminator Whiskey the goal is simple: blending time-honored whiskey-making traditions with cutting-edge AI technology to craft something truly extraordinary.
Beyond HR at the Distillery
You may not have been aware, but actual distilleries have been experimenting with AI for some time now. Since AI first entered the whiskey world in 2019, it’s been used to create innovative recipes and improve efficiency. For example, the Swedish distillery Mackmyra Whiskey, partnered with Microsoft and Fourkind to create the world’s first AI-developed whiskey. Using an AI algorithm, Mackmyra’s examined historical recipes, sales data, and customer preferences to produce a recipe that was both popular and innovative. However, the boundaries can be pushed even further—creating not just whiskey, but an entirely new experience for customers.
In the future, distilleries could harness the full power of AI to optimize every stage of production. From fermentation to barrel aging, AI-driven sensors and analytics ensure that each step meets our exacting standards. AI tools maintain the perfect conditions for crafting consistent, high-quality whiskey every single time. The possibilities go beyond the distilling process. AI can become an integral part of doing business. By dynamically adjusting pricing, optimizing supply chain, and using predictive maintenance to keep equipment running smoothly, AI helps streamline operations and reduce costs. It even helps innovate with AI barrel-aging prediction, accelerating the aging process without sacrificing the depth and complexity our customers will love. Agriculture practices also benefit from AI. Tools for precision agriculture ensure that we use just the right amount of water and fertilizer, while yield prediction helps us plan more effectively. By reducing waste and optimizing resources, we’re crafting a whiskey that’s as kind to the planet as it is to the palate.
Perhaps most exciting is how AI could enhance the customer experience. Systems like SmokeDNAi can match flavors to individual preferences, creating custom blends that feel personally crafted. AI-powered tasting assistants ensure consistency across every bottle, while immersive distillery tours bring the process to life with holographic tastings and interactive displays.
By merging technology with tradition, distilleries won’t be just creating whiskey, they’ll be crafting an experience that’s bold, innovative, and built for the future. Whiskey the way it was meant to be: authentic, forward-thinking, and unforgettable, driven by an HR AI Superteam. After all, you can’t spell cocktail without AI.
Closing Thoughts
Leaders must remember that the path to the future is with their people. The integration of AI in HR is not just a trend but a necessity for staying competitive and meeting the evolving needs of our company workforces. By embracing AI tools, you can drive strategic outcomes and align with broader business goals, ensuring a brighter future for HR and your organization.
Author
Dr. Eric L. Demirjian is a research fellow for the Center for Innovation Management and Business Analytics at the Florida Institute of Technology, specializing in Superteams, artificial intelligence teaming, and artificial intelligence job augmentation. Eric has 22 years of experience in aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, modeling and simulation, and leading teams in the creation of solutions for the defense, wine, whiskey, aerospace, intelligence, and test and evaluation industries. Contact him at [email protected].