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Meet The New Boss: Big Data

Meet The New Boss: A Robot
Emily Peck
By 

Senior Reporter, HuffPost

In this undated photo released by Honda Motor Co., its Asimo walking talking robot shows its new product lawn mower Milmo. Honda finally has its first product for the home packed with its prized robotics technology a sensor-equipped lawn mower. Miimo goes on sale next year, selling for 2,100 euros ($2,600) to 2,500 euros ($3,000), in only Europe. The machine, which looks a bit like iRobot Corp.'s Roomba vacuum cleaner, continuously shaves about 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) off the grass, maneuvering itself on slopes. (AP Photo/Honda Motor Co.) EDITORIAL USE ONLY
In this undated photo released by Honda Motor Co., its Asimo walking talking robot shows its new product lawn mower Milmo. Honda finally has its first product for the home packed with its prized robotics technology a sensor-equipped lawn mower. Miimo goes on sale next year, selling for 2,100 euros ($2,600) to 2,500 euros ($3,000), in only Europe. The machine, which looks a bit like iRobot Corp.'s Roomba vacuum cleaner, continuously shaves about 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) off the grass, maneuvering itself on slopes. (AP Photo/Honda Motor Co.) EDITORIAL USE ONLY

When looking for workers to staff its call centers, Xerox Corp. XRX +2.44% used to pay lots of attention to applicants who had done the job before. Then, a computer program told the printer and outsourcing company that experience doesn't matter.

The software said that what does matter in a good call-center worker--one who won't quit before the company recoups its $5,000 investment in training--is personality. Data show that creative types tend to stick around for the necessary six months. Inquisitive people often don't.

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