News/AI Implementation
Death, Taxes and AI: IRS adopts new tech for fraud detection as 95% of US companies embrace automation
The IRS is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into its operations, from call centers to fraud detection systems, as part of a broader technology transformation following pandemic-related challenges. This shift reflects a wider trend where 95% of U.S. companies now use generative AI, marking a significant evolution in how both public and private sectors leverage automation for core functions. The big picture: Danny Werfel, former IRS Commissioner and current strategic advisory board member at alliant, describes AI as presenting both "an opportunity and a risk" for tax administration, with the agency expanding from initial call center applications to chatbots and scam...
read Sep 1, 2025Google Photos uses AI to find the best moments in your videos
Google Photos is introducing a new "Key Moments" feature that uses AI to automatically identify and highlight the most engaging sections of user videos. The tool addresses a common problem with video sharing—lengthy recordings filled with uninteresting content—by allowing users to quickly find and extract compelling clips with a single tap. How it works: Key Moments analyzes videos that are at least ten seconds long, using AI to detect joyful, nostalgic, or visually rich segments.• The feature displays interactive "chips" on the video timeline that users can tap to save highlighted moments as separate clips or remove unwanted markers.• Google's...
read Sep 1, 2025AI transforms voice calls, clunky IVR into a customer service comeback
Voice calls are staging a comeback in AI-powered contact centers, defying predictions that digital channels would replace phone-based customer service. This resurgence is driven by artificial intelligence that enhances rather than replaces human conversation, making voice interactions more intelligent while preserving the immediacy and trust that customers seek for complex or urgent issues. The big picture: AI is transforming voice from a legacy channel into a sophisticated customer experience tool that combines human empathy with intelligent automation. Speech recognition and natural language processing have eliminated rigid interactive voice response (IVR) menus, enabling AI assistants to understand context, emotion, and nuance....
read Sep 1, 2025Apple shifts automation costs to suppliers in major policy change
Apple has mandated that suppliers implement robotics and automation systems as a prerequisite for manufacturing contracts, marking a significant shift from its previous approach of financially supporting supplier upgrades. The move aims to reduce labor dependency, improve product quality consistency, and cut long-term production costs as Apple continues diversifying its supply chain away from China. The big picture: This automation mandate represents Apple's most aggressive push yet toward robotics-driven manufacturing, covering all major product lines including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch production. Key policy changes: Apple now requires suppliers to fund their own automation upgrades rather than providing financial...
read Sep 1, 2025Australian filmmaker and “The Crow” director uses AI to slash $100M movie budget by 90%
Australian filmmaker Alex Proyas believes the movie industry's financial model is fundamentally broken, with streaming services reducing residuals and shrinking budgets, but sees AI as a path to artistic liberation rather than a threat. The director of "The Crow" and "I, Robot" argues that AI can help rebuild the industry by dramatically lowering production costs and allowing filmmakers to retain more ownership of their projects. What you should know: Proyas is putting his philosophy into practice with his upcoming film "RUR," which explores themes of robot emancipation from capitalist exploitation. The film, based on a 1920 Czech satirical play, stars...
read Aug 29, 2025How Intuit ditched chatbots and built AI agents that actually work
When Intuit's CEO demanded the company deliver its most ambitious AI launch by September 2023, the $200 billion software giant behind QuickBooks, TurboTax, and Mailchimp responded with characteristic speed. The result was Intuit Assist—a chatbot-style assistant grafted onto existing applications to demonstrate the company's AI credentials. It was supposed to revolutionize how small businesses managed their finances. Instead, it flopped spectacularly. "When you take a beautiful, well-designed user interface and you simply plop human-like chat on the side, that doesn't necessarily make it better," Alex Balazs, Intuit's Chief Technology Officer, reflects on the failed launch. The chatbot consumed valuable screen...
read Aug 29, 2025AI analyzed 630K paintings to decode 600 years of economic history through emotion extraction
A team of economists has used artificial intelligence to analyze over 630,000 European paintings spanning 600 years, discovering that collective shifts in artistic mood often aligned with historical moments of prosperity, hardship, or upheaval. The research demonstrates how AI can extract emotional signals from art to enhance traditional economic data, particularly for periods where standard historical records are scarce. How it works: The researchers trained AI to detect nine emotions—including sadness, fear, anger, awe, contentment, and amusement—across paintings from 1400 to 2000. The dataset was sourced from Google Arts and Culture, WikiData, and WikiArt, featuring predominantly traditional, figurative European painting...
read Aug 29, 2025The eyes have it: AI boosts eye doctor accuracy from 74% to 92%
A new clinical trial demonstrates that AI-powered diagnostic tools can dramatically improve accuracy in ophthalmology, with physicians using the EyeFM AI copilot achieving 92% diagnostic accuracy compared to 74% without AI assistance. The study, published in Nature Medicine, reveals that AI integration not only enhances clinical performance but also improves patient compliance and engagement, suggesting a fundamental shift toward AI-augmented medical care across healthcare disciplines. Key findings: The randomized trial showed statistically significant improvements when ophthalmologists worked alongside AI technology. Diagnostic accuracy jumped from 74% to 92% when physicians used the EyeFM AI copilot, with results showing statistical significance at...
read Aug 28, 2025stupidDOPE launches clever AI-focused SEO services for ChatGPT visibility
Digital publication stupidDOPE has launched specialized SEO services designed to help brands gain visibility not just in traditional search engines, but in the artificial intelligence tools that increasingly shape how people discover information online. The service represents a strategic pivot toward what the company calls "AI-focused SEO"—optimizing content specifically for large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. This development reflects a broader shift in digital marketing as AI-powered search tools become mainstream alternatives to Google. When users ask ChatGPT to recommend products or services, these systems draw from indexed web content to generate responses. Companies that aren't optimized for...
read Aug 28, 2025“Intelligent economy, intelligent society”: China unveils 10-year plan to become fully AI-powered
China's State Council has unveiled a comprehensive ten-year plan to transform the country into a fully AI-powered economy by 2035, declaring artificial intelligence will become a "key growth engine" for national development. The ambitious roadmap aims to integrate AI across six major societal pillars by 2027 and achieve a 90% AI usage rate by 2030, positioning China to compete directly with Western nations despite current technological gaps. What you should know: China's plan targets comprehensive AI integration across society within the next decade. By 2027, AI will be deeply embedded in science and technology, citizen wellbeing, industrial development, consumer goods,...
read Aug 28, 2025Old Town, Maine uses new AI to track residents for local business enhancement
Old Town, Maine, will begin using artificial intelligence to track residents and visitors later this year through a smartphone data collection program called Placer.ai. The initiative aims to gather demographic and behavioral insights to enhance local marketing efforts and attract new businesses to the downtown area. How it works: Placer.ai collects data from smartphones in specific geographic areas, building comprehensive profiles of user behavior and demographics. The system tracks where people were before entering an area, how long they spend there, where they go afterward, and personal information like annual income. AI aggregates the data, recognizes patterns, and creates mapping...
read Aug 28, 2025Aurelian raises $14M to automate non-emergency 911 calls with AI
Aurelian has raised $14 million in Series A funding to expand its AI system that handles non-emergency 911 calls across the United States. The company, which pivoted from automating hair salon bookings, now serves nearly 5 million Americans by automating an average of three-quarters of non-emergency calls—saving dispatchers approximately three hours per day and allowing them to focus on genuine emergencies. Why this matters: Emergency communications centers face critical understaffing and high turnover rates, with dispatchers often working 12- to 16-hour shifts handling everything from life-threatening emergencies to routine parking complaints. How it works: Aurelian's AI system automatically processes non-emergency...
read Aug 27, 2025AI security cameras with weapon detection help Tennessee campus respond to hoax shooter threat
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga deployed its AI-powered security camera system to help respond to a false active shooter report last Thursday, marking a real-world test of how artificial intelligence can assist law enforcement during campus emergencies. The incident demonstrated both the potential and limitations of AI security technology, as the system correctly identified that the first weapon detection occurred only when police officers entered the building, providing early evidence that no armed suspect was present. How the system works: UTC has installed more than 900 cameras across campus, with about 200 equipped with Volt AI software that can detect...
read Aug 27, 2025AI concession tech at Boston’s TD Garden, Fenway Park sparks worker displacement debate
AI-powered concession technology at Boston sports venues has sparked debate over job displacement, with three readers offering contrasting perspectives on automation's impact on stadium workers. The discussion centers around Amazon's Just Walk Out technology implemented at TD Garden and similar systems at Fenway Park, highlighting broader tensions between technological efficiency and worker welfare. What they're saying: Three distinct viewpoints emerge from readers responding to concerns about AI replacing concession workers. Charlie Tillett from Wayland argues that technological disruption is inevitable: "Just because a workflow is being disrupted by utilizing artificial intelligence does not mean we should be locked into the...
read Aug 27, 202552% of hotel guests now expect AI in their touchpoint travel experience
New research from PYMNTS Intelligence reveals that 52% of hotel guests now expect artificial intelligence to play a role in customer interactions during their stay, including check-in processes and support services. This dramatic shift in consumer expectations reflects how quickly AI has moved from experimental technology to an anticipated standard in hospitality, fundamentally changing how travelers envision their service experience. What you should know: The travel industry has rapidly embraced generative AI across multiple touchpoints, with both airlines and hotels deploying the technology to enhance customer service and operational efficiency. Airlines are using AI to manage passenger communications more effectively,...
read Aug 25, 2025AI turns Rosetta Stone for animal languages as it helps decode whale, dolphin and bird communication
Scientists are on the verge of deciphering animal communication using artificial intelligence, with recent breakthroughs suggesting we may soon be able to "talk" with other species for the first time. The development represents a fundamental shift from decades of scientific reluctance to acknowledge non-human language, driven by AI's ability to detect patterns in massive datasets of animal sounds and behaviors. The big picture: Multiple research teams are racing to crack interspecies communication, spurred by the new Coller Dolittle Challenge offering $100,000 annually and a $10 million grand prize for breakthrough discoveries. The challenge, established by Tel Aviv University and Jeremy...
read Aug 25, 2025Strawberry fields go clever: California farms deploy robots with UV light to kill pests without chemicals
California strawberry growers are deploying autonomous robots equipped with ultraviolet light and high-powered vacuums to combat pests without traditional pesticides. TRIC Robotics, a U.S.-based agricultural technology company, is leading this transformation with its Luna platform, offering farmers a full-service solution that promises to reduce chemical dependency while cutting labor costs and improving profitability. What you should know: The Luna platform represents a significant shift toward precision agriculture in one of California's most valuable crops.• The multi-row robot is designed specifically for strawberry farms and can carry various payloads, including UV treatment booms and bug vacuum systems.• TRIC Robotics positions this...
read Aug 22, 2025Arrive AI sensors help delivery drivers skip empty mailbox stops, achieve truck space efficiency
Arrive AI has integrated time-of-flight (TOF) sensors into its patented Arrive Points™ smart mailboxes to optimize package delivery efficiency through real-time data collection. The technology addresses a major industry bottleneck by allowing couriers to know in advance which mailboxes contain packages and how much truck space is needed, eliminating wasted stops and reducing operational costs. How it works: The TOF sensors capture low-resolution data that edge AI analyzes to detect patterns in package delivery and retrieval. Couriers will receive advance information about which Arrive Points contain outgoing packages, eliminating the need to physically check empty mailboxes at strip malls and...
read Aug 22, 2025AI expands “Wizard of Oz” for Sphere’s 160K-square-foot immersive experience
The Sphere in Las Vegas is preparing to debut an AI-enhanced version of "The Wizard of Oz" that expands the 1939 classic to fit its massive 160,000-square-foot screen. The production promises a full sensory experience with remastered audio, added characters, and environmental effects like wind machines, sparking debate about using AI to modify cinematic classics. What you should know: The Sphere team used AI trained specifically on "The Wizard of Oz" footage and original materials to create this expanded version.• The team combed through archives at the Academy and Warner Bros., studying shot lists, sketches, and notebooks from the 1939...
read Aug 22, 2025Mercedes F1 uses AI and digital twins to put racing prowess on the inside track
Formula One racing operates at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and split-second decision-making, where milliseconds determine victory and data drives every strategic choice. At Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, technology has evolved from a supporting role to the backbone of competitive advantage, transforming how teams approach everything from car design to race-day strategy. Steve Riley, head of IT operations and service management at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, oversees the technological infrastructure that powers one of racing's most successful organizations. From the team's state-of-the-art facility in Brackley, UK, Riley manages IT systems that must perform flawlessly whether they're deployed at the Monaco...
read Aug 22, 2025Google’s AI Mode now books restaurants for $250/month subscribers
Google has introduced agentic AI capabilities to its AI Mode search feature that can help users find restaurants and make reservations automatically. The new functionality, currently limited to Google AI Ultra subscribers paying $250 per month, represents Google's latest attempt to bring AI agents into practical consumer applications after previous efforts like Duplex failed to gain widespread adoption. How it works: AI Mode now leverages Project Mariner, Google's AI agent technology, and partnerships with booking platforms to streamline restaurant discovery and reservation booking. Users provide details like party size, date, time, location, and preferred cuisine in a single text prompt....
read Aug 21, 2025Dapper AI: MIT startup creates smart clothing that adjusts temperature
Ministry of Supply, an MIT-connected apparel company, is integrating artificial intelligence across both its smart clothing products and business operations. Founded by Gihan Amarasiriwardena, the company demonstrates how AI can transform traditional retail through advanced garment technology and intelligent business processes, offering a glimpse into the future of connected wearables. What you should know: Ministry of Supply creates performance apparel that combines style with AI-powered functionality and sustainable manufacturing practices. The company produces machine-washable clothing from recycled and low-carbon materials using energy-saving manufacturing models. All products undergo rigorous performance durability tests and are "backed by science," according to Amarasiriwardena. AI...
read Aug 21, 2025China deploys first AI chatbot on space station, inspired by the Monkey King
China has deployed Wukong AI, an artificial intelligence chatbot designed specifically for space operations, aboard its Tiangong space station in mid-July. Named after the legendary Monkey King from Chinese mythology, the system represents the first time China's space station has utilized a large language model during orbital missions, marking a significant step in integrating AI technology into human spaceflight operations. What you should know: Wukong AI successfully completed its inaugural mission by supporting three taikonauts during a complex six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk in August. The AI assisted crew members with installing space debris protection devices and conducting routine station inspections. Taikonauts described...
read Aug 20, 2025OpenAI’s lean ledger AI runs finance operations with just 45 people instead of 300
The traditional Chief Financial Officer role is evolving rapidly as artificial intelligence transforms finance operations across the technology sector. Recent insights from finance executives at OpenAI, SnapLogic, and Gorgias reveal how leading companies are automating core financial processes—while highlighting critical implementation challenges that even AI-native organizations struggle to overcome. This transformation isn't simply about replacing spreadsheets with algorithms. Companies are fundamentally reimagining how finance teams operate, moving from manual reconciliation and reporting toward real-time automation and strategic analysis. The results are striking: OpenAI operates with 45 finance professionals instead of the 200-300 typically required for a company their size, while...
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