AI Wary

AI Clocks in at Ford

The first real-world study of generative AI in the workplace, published as a working paper in April 2023 by Stanford and MIT researchers, found that AI applications significantly speed up our work processes. At Ford, we recognize the value of this technology and have partnered with AI-driven technologies to help our employees focus on what matters most — the creative and thoughtful work that makes our products great!

As part of our efforts, Ford is beta-testing its own Language Learning Model (LLM). The secure portal for employees gives team members access to ChatGPT and similar generative AI language tools. It is transforming how we approach work: By leveraging AI for tasks such as drafting internal communications, generating marketing copy, and developing software, team members gain valuable time to focus on ideation and high-value work.

AI: Revamp, Not Replace

While many fear AI's potential to replace (or displace) workers, IKEA is showing that there's a better way. Instead of replacing employees, AI is being utilized to free them up for new and more creative work.

IKEA's AI customer service bot, Billie, successfully manages nearly half of all customer calls that used to be handled by employees. But what about jobs for the former call center employees? Ingka Group, an IKEA partner, upskilled 8,500 people from customer service centers into interior design adviser roles. This upskilled workforce now gives provides customers with affordable interior design advice via 45- or 60-minute video calls with prices ranging from $32 to $159.

This strategic shift has proven to be successful for IKEA. Powered by these re-trained employees, IKEA's design service has proven profitable, generating about $1.4 billion in 2022, contributing 3.3% to the company's total revenue.

An Extra Set of A-Eyes

An AI program used to help detect breast cancer from mammogram screenings lowered radiologists' workload by 44% and detected slightly more cancer as compared to when the AI program was not used — showing that using AI to assist radiologists can be safe and time-saving. This finding comes from researchers in Sweden, who conducted this first-ever randomized controlled trial to examine AI use for breast cancer detection.

Kristina Lång, lead author of the study from Lund University in Sweden, explained that “the greatest potential of AI right now is that it could allow radiologists to be less burdened by the excessive amount of reading,” meaning more patients can be helped and hopefully more cases of cancer can be detected in early stages.

Tala's AI-Fueled Triumph

Tala's money app is using AI to help underbanked people in India, Kenya, Mexico, and The Philippines achieve financial success by expanding access to capital. Tala uses AI and behavioral data to assess the creditworthiness of people without traditional bank accounts, often due to living in rural locations. With this approach, Tala both brings down the costs of underwriting, thereby making lending money cheaper, enabling them to reach and serve financially underserved people.

Through Tala's mobile app, people who were previously unable to apply for or receive a loan are now able to do so from their phones, empowering them to access capital to build their homes and businesses. In fact, Tala's eight million users are accessing more than three million loans per day and $100 million in origination every month. And people are eager for more: Just four months after launching in the Philippines, Tala reached one million users in the market!