B12, a start-up based in New York, aims to redefine the traditional workplace by eliminating human managers. Instead, it plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to manage its workforce. The company’s premise is to design work without human bosses, thereby reducing inefficiencies, politics, and bias that can often hinder productivity.
B12’s model utilises AI to manage tasks such as assigning work, setting deadlines and providing feedback. The company believes that by removing human managers, it can create a more efficient and fair workplace. The AI system, called Orchestra, uses human-like judgement to manage work and is designed to learn and improve over time.
Despite potential concerns about job losses, B12 insists that its model will not replace humans but will instead augment their capabilities. The aim is to free up workers to focus on more creative and complex tasks, while AI takes care of administrative duties.
This innovative approach has attracted significant investment, with B12 raising $12.4 million in a Series A funding round. The company plans to use the funds to further develop its AI system and expand its team. Critics, however, caution that the success of B12’s model depends on its ability to ensure the AI system is as effective and fair as it promises to be.
Go to source article: https://techcrunch.com/2018/02/04/hate-your-boss-b12-is-designing-work-without-human-managers/