Which Jobs are Using A.I the Most?

& Bananas Without Brown Spots

AI in the Workplace

Source: Visual Capitalist

How exactly is AI being used across different professions?

Two years on from the launch of ChatGPT, millions of people are now using a variety of AI tools to get tasks done daily. However, AI adoption varies widely across jobs. While some occupations are seeing high levels of AI engagement, others remain largely untouched.
The adoption of AI across U.S. industries reveals a stark divide. While creative and digital professions are heavily leveraging AI, labor-intensive sectors remain largely untouched. For instance, the Computer and Mathematical category, which accounts for only 3.4% of the workforce, dominates AI usage with 37.2% of Claude conversations. Similarly, creative fields like Art, Design, and Media make up 10.3% of AI-related conversations, reflecting AI's significant role in marketing and content creation. In contrast, industries such as Construction, Transportation, and Food Preparation show minimal AI adoption.

How People Use AI: Augmentation vs. Automation 

Anthropic found that in 57% of the conversations, Claude’s role was augmentative, where humans and AI collaborate to complete a task. The other 43% involved automation, where the AI directly performed tasks with minimal human intervention. Furthermore, the research identified certain key skills that Claude exhibited in conversations. Critical thinking and listening were the most prevalent aptitudes, followed by reading comprehension, writing, and programming.

McD’s AI Makeover for its Restaurants

McDonald's is embarking on a comprehensive AI makeover across its 43,000 locations worldwide, aiming to revolutionize the fast-food experience by reducing wait times and enhancing customer satisfaction. The initiative includes integrating AI-driven voice recognition and natural language processing into drive-thru systems, leveraging edge computing to process data locally and improve operational efficiency. This technology allows for real-time menu customization based on weather, traffic, and past sales data, offering personalized suggestions to customers. Additionally, AI tools will help managers predict equipment failures and optimize inventory management, ensuring "hotter, fresher food" and streamlining restaurant operations.

McDonald's AI strategy extends beyond the drive-thru, incorporating generative AI for tasks like shift scheduling and inventory control. The company's partnership with Google Cloud enables on-site data processing, reducing latency and enhancing the speed of AI solutions. While previous AI trials faced setbacks, such as incorrect orders, McDonald's is committed to refining its technology to meet modern consumer demands for speed and personalization. This AI makeover not only positions McDonald's as a leader in fast-food innovation but also sets a new standard for the industry, influencing how other chains approach technological integration to enhance customer experiences.

Gene-Edited Bananas: A Future Without Brown Spots

A UK-based biotech company, Tropic, has developed a gene-edited non-browning banana using CRISPR technology, offering a solution to reduce food waste and extend shelf life. These bananas inhibit the enzyme responsible for browning without compromising taste or quality.

This innovative banana variety has already gained regulatory approval in several countries, including the Philippines, USA, Canada, Colombia, and Honduras. With an estimated 33% of harvested produce lost due to spoilage, and over 60% of exported bananas wasted before reaching consumers, this innovation could significantly reduce food waste, potentially decreasing CO2 emissions equivalent to removing 2 million passenger vehicles annually. In addition to non-browning bananas, Tropic is also developing bananas with extended shelf life and resistance to Panama tropical race 4 (TR4), showcasing the potential of gene editing to transform banana cultivation

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