News from the AI & ML world
DeeperML - #aiautomation
|
Fiona Jackson@eWEEK
//
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has announced that the company anticipates a reduction in its corporate workforce as generative AI is integrated into various business operations. In an internal memo to employees, Jassy stated that Amazon expects to cut human workers and replace them with AI to achieve efficiency gains through automation. This decision stems from the company's aggressive push into AI, with over 1,000 generative AI services and applications already in development, including Alexa+ and the Nova foundation models. The use of AI agents is expected to accelerate internal processes and innovation across every business line.
Jassy emphasized that the deployment of AI will change the way work is done at Amazon. He noted that "we will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs." While the exact impact on specific departments remains unspecified, the memo highlights the critical role of AI agents in the company's future. These agents are capable of engaging in deep research, writing code, and ultimately transforming the speed and scope of innovation for customers. The announcement follows a history of workforce reductions at Amazon, with over 27,000 corporate jobs eliminated since 2022. Although previous layoffs were primarily attributed to economic uncertainty and organizational efficiency, Jassy's recent memo indicates that AI-driven automation will be a significant factor moving forward. Jassy acknowledged the need for Amazon to operate like the "world's largest startup" and stressed the importance of AI investment for internal productivity improvements. He expects that these changes will reduce the company's total corporate workforce in the next few years. Recommended read:
References :
@techstrong.ai
//
Amazon is making a significant push into robotics with the development of humanoid robots designed for package delivery. According to reports, the tech giant is working on the AI software needed to power these robots and is constructing a dedicated "humanoid park" at its San Francisco facility. This indoor testing ground, resembling the size of a coffee shop, will serve as an obstacle course where the robots can practice the entire delivery process, including navigating sidewalks, climbing stairs, and handling packages. The initiative reflects Amazon's continued efforts to enhance efficiency and optimize its logistics operations through advanced automation.
Amazon envisions these humanoid robots eventually riding in its Rivian electric vans and independently completing the last leg of the delivery journey. The company is reportedly testing various robot models, including the Unitree G1, and focusing on developing AI software that will allow them to navigate real-world environments. This move comes as Amazon continues to invest heavily in AI and robotics, including the deployment of over 750,000 robots in its warehouses. The integration of humanoid robots into the delivery process has the potential to reduce physical strain on human workers and address labor shortages, especially during peak seasons. This initiative is part of a broader trend of leveraging AI and robotics to optimize supply chains and reduce operational costs. While there is no official rollout date for the humanoid delivery robots, Amazon's investment in this technology signals its commitment to exploring innovative solutions for package delivery. Furthermore, it coincides with Amazon investing $10 billion in North Carolina to build new data centers as part of a massive AI infrastructure expansion. Recommended read:
References :
@orases.com
//
AI agents are rapidly transforming industries by automating tasks and enhancing decision-making, moving beyond simple automation to intelligent autonomy. These agents are being implemented across various sectors, promising significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. A strategic roadmap is essential for successful AI agent implementation, aligning technology with workflows and business objectives to ensure that these systems have a real impact on operations and decision-making. Without a clear structure, companies risk wasting investments on generic tools and isolated pilot projects.
The impact of AI agents is particularly evident in customer experience (CX), with companies increasingly integrating AI agents into their technology interactions. Cisco's recent Agentic AI Report highlights the transformative impact of these autonomous agents, which can retain memory, reason about tasks, and autonomously select actions to optimize outcomes with minimal human intervention. Cisco's data anticipates that enterprises expect 56% of their interactions with technology partners will be managed by AI agents within the next 12 months, increasing to 68% over three years. This accelerated adoption necessitates that vendors rapidly develop and deploy scalable, robust agentic AI solutions. Thomson Reuters is also leveraging this trend with agentic AI capabilities in its CoCounsel assistant, enabling autonomous, multi-step task execution in tax and accounting workflows. Early results show that processes like tax jurisdiction reviews have been drastically reduced from half a week to under an hour. The company plans to extend agentic AI to legal, risk, and compliance domains, connecting firm knowledge, codes, and internal documents into one workspace where AI handles complete workflows, rather than individual queries. This integration allows professionals to focus on higher-level tasks, ensuring that human expertise guides judgment and validates outputs. Recommended read:
References :
Alexey Shabanov@TestingCatalog
//
Perplexity AI is rapidly expanding its presence in the AI market through strategic integrations and innovative features. The company has launched Perplexity Labs, a new tool for Pro subscribers designed to automate tasks such as creating reports, spreadsheets, and mini web apps. This feature leverages AI research, code execution, and content generation, positioning Perplexity as a versatile platform for both information retrieval and content creation. Labs can generate and execute code for data structuring, create interactive web apps, and produce various file types, making it well-suited for diverse projects from marketing campaigns to business analysis.
The startup is also making strides in device integration. Samsung is reportedly nearing a wide-ranging deal with Perplexity that includes investment and deep integration into devices, the Bixby assistant, and the web browser. This partnership could see Perplexity pre-installed on upcoming Galaxy S26 series phones, potentially replacing Google Gemini as the default AI assistant. The integration might also extend to Samsung Internet, offering users more advanced and personalized AI experiences directly within their web browsing. Furthermore, Perplexity is enhancing its AI-driven search capabilities within the Comet Browser. Users can now observe Perplexity AI controlling pages in the Comet Browser, with visual indicators showing actions like clicking and filling forms. This new feature allows for more interactive and transparent AI-driven automation, benefiting users who automate repetitive workflows such as data entry and testing. This positions Perplexity as a pioneer in bringing interactive and transparent AI-driven automation to the browser. Recommended read:
References :
Alexey Shabanov@TestingCatalog
//
Perplexity has unveiled Perplexity Labs, a new AI-powered tool designed for Pro subscribers, aiming to revolutionize the creation of work deliverables. Labs automates tasks like generating reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, and even mini web apps, leveraging AI research and code execution to bring projects from ideation to completion. It functions as an AI-driven team, providing users with a comprehensive suite of tools to transform their ideas into tangible results, marking a significant move beyond traditional search functionalities.
Labs stands out by investing a minimum of 10 minutes in self-supervised work, conducting web browsing, writing and executing code, and organizing data to achieve its objectives. This extended timeframe allows the AI to crunch numbers, apply formulas, generate visuals, and construct interactive web apps, all without requiring the user to lift a finger. The technology combines various AI capabilities Perplexity has developed, packaging the output into an "Assets" tab for easy access and download. Available on web, iOS, and Android, with Mac and Windows apps on the horizon, Perplexity Labs is accessible for Pro subscribers at $20 per month. With the mini web apps feature being particularly ambitious, Labs can build and deploy simple interactive websites directly within the interface, such as dashboards, slideshows, or data visualization tools, without the user needing any coding knowledge. This move aims to shift Perplexity's positioning from a "better Google" to a "personal research assistant and worker," providing training wheels for building AI agents and automating time-consuming tasks. Recommended read:
References :
@www.theapplepost.com
//
References:
mastodon.macstories.net
, MacStories
Sky, an innovative macOS application developed by the original creators of Shortcuts, is poised to revolutionize user experience by bringing AI-powered automation to Macs. This mind-blowing app, set to launch later this year, allows users to extend AI integration and automation capabilities system-wide. Early testers, including Federico Viticci, have expressed immense excitement, drawing parallels to the transformative impact of Editorial and Workflow, apps previously associated with members of the Sky team.
The developers behind Sky, Ari Weinstein, Conrad Kramer, and Kim Beverett at Software Applications Incorporated, have been secretly working on the project since 2023. Sky aims to be more intuitive than its predecessors, harnessing the power of AI and large language models (LLMs) to streamline tasks and workflows. Viticci, who has had exclusive access to Sky for the past two weeks, believes it will fundamentally change how users approach macOS automation. He felt the same excitement when first trying Editorial, Workflow, and Shortcuts. Simultaneously, Apple is expected to unveil a major software rebrand at WWDC 2025, headlined by the introduction of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, visionOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26. This strategic shift involves moving away from traditional version numbers to a year-based system, mirroring a practice seen in the past with Windows. This change aims to reflect significant operating system redesigns and simplify branding for both users and developers. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests this would create consistency across Apple's platforms. Recommended read:
References :
@Salesforce
//
Salesforce is aggressively expanding its Agentforce platform to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-powered digital labor. A key component of this strategy is the acquisition of UK-based AI automation startup, Convergence.ai. This acquisition will bring Convergence's team and technology, including their expertise in AI agent design, autonomous task execution, and adaptive systems, into the Agentforce platform. The move is intended to accelerate the development of sophisticated AI agents capable of handling complex digital workflows within enterprise environments.
Convergence.ai, founded in 2024 by machine learning scientists Marvin Purtorab and Andy Toulis, has developed innovative AI agents, including "Proxy," designed to learn, evolve, and collaborate with humans. Their technology enables AI agents to navigate and execute tasks within dynamic digital systems, adapting to challenges such as pop-ups, system errors, and user interface changes. According to Salesforce, this acquisition will enable Agentforce to deliver AI that truly transforms how work gets done, allowing for AI assistants that can intelligently manage intricate tasks with human-like ingenuity. To further drive adoption of Agentforce, Salesforce has introduced new flexible pricing. The new ‘Flex Credits’ pricing model is designed to enable businesses to scale AI-powered digital labor to every employee, department, and process. This initiative aims to meet the rapidly accelerating demand for digital labor and positions Salesforce as a leader in the evolving landscape of AI-driven automation and customer interaction. Salesforce executives envision a future where Agentforce empowers customers with AI agents that not only follow instructions but also perceive, reason, and adapt to the complexities of modern digital workflows. Recommended read:
References :
@Salesforce
//
Salesforce, a US-based cloud software giant, has announced its acquisition of Convergence.ai, a London-based company specializing in AI agents for digital environments. This strategic move aims to significantly enhance Salesforce's Agentforce platform, a core component of its AI strategy. Convergence.ai, founded by Marvin Purtorab and Andy Toulis, develops AI agents capable of navigating dynamic digital systems and executing complex tasks, such as managing online workflows and multi-step processes, even when encountering issues like pop-ups or system errors. The acquisition is expected to close in Q2 of Salesforce’s fiscal year 2026, ending July 31.
The Convergence.ai team brings expertise in AI agent design, autonomous task execution, and adaptive systems, which will be instrumental in accelerating the development of advanced AI agents for Agentforce. Adam Evans, EVP & GM, Salesforce AI Platform, emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating that "the next wave of customer interaction and employee productivity will be driven by highly capable AI agents that can navigate the complexities of today’s digital work." He further added that Salesforce is looking towards a future where Agentforce can empower customers with AI agents that can perceive, reason, and adapt to complex digital workflows. Salesforce is investing heavily in AI to empower Agentforce. Christophe Coenraets, SVP of Developer Relations at Salesforce, is building the new Salesforce Developer Edition, which includes access to the company’s agentic AI platform, Agentforce. A flexible pricing plan for Agentforce has also been announced. This plan includes flex credits, which come in packs of 100,000 for $500, to scale Agentforce across workflows, along with a Flex Agreement that enables companies to shift between user licenses and flex credits as needed. Recommended read:
References :
Tom Krazit@Runtime
//
References:
Runtime
ServiceNow is spearheading the integration of AI agents within enterprise IT, outlining a plan to automate various IT functions and processes. CEO Bill McDermott emphasized that the "control tower" for autonomous agentic AI within corporations will originate from the IT department. This vision positions IT, and specifically the chief digital information officer, as central to managing and securing AI deployments across the enterprise. ServiceNow introduced AI Control Tower, a centralized platform to govern, manage, and secure AI agents, models, and workflows, irrespective of whether they are from ServiceNow or third-party vendors.
The company has also launched numerous new AI agents designed to integrate with its core IT management software, including IT service management, operations management, and asset management. These agents aim to alleviate the burden of routine tasks on IT departments, such as resolving support tickets and streamlining incident response. According to Pablo Stern, executive vice president and general manager of Technology Workflow Products, these AI agents will handle "the menial work," ultimately reducing the number of human interventions required for various IT processes. While ServiceNow is a prominent advocate for agentic AI, other companies are also exploring its potential. The rise of AI agents is also impacting the Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies of many companies. Scale Venture Partners has highlighted that AI agents are goal-oriented systems capable of observing, deciding, and acting within a defined environment. These agents are redefining roles in prospecting, forecasting, and customer success by making intelligent decisions and scaling proven strategies. Furthermore, agentic AI software development is also transforming low-code and no-code platforms, potentially impacting the future roles of software engineers as AI-assisted coding becomes more prevalent. Recommended read:
References :
@www.microsoft.com
//
The advent of "agentic AI" marks a significant shift in the technological landscape, characterized by AI agents capable of autonomous action. These agents, as seen in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, are being deployed to automate tasks, streamline processes, and ultimately redefine how work is done. While the term "agentic AI" might be new, the underlying concept of software agents isn't, tracing back to simple systems with a target function to optimize autonomously. The current excitement stems from the integration of these agents with modern AI systems, enabling them to extract data, interact with systems, and potentially offer new modes of operation within businesses.
The integration of AI agents into business processes, particularly within ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics 365, is poised to revolutionize operations. Rather than just acting as assistants, these agents function as "digital colleagues," taking on specific tasks and transforming human-dependent processes into intelligent, scalable automation. Organizations are expecting these agents to be moderately or extensively integrated into their company’s AI strategy. This shift promises to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and accelerate decision-making across key areas such as finance, supply chain, and project operations. However, the rise of agentic AI is not without its critiques. Concerns are emerging about whether the increasing reliance on AI-generated content leads to a flattening of ideas and a regression toward mediocrity. There's a growing sentiment that as AI churns out structurally sound but uninspired content, the uniqueness and originality of human thought might be suppressed. Yet, conversely, agentic AI is also being recognized for its potential to empower the disenfranchised, lowering the barrier to entry for research and giving a voice to those who were previously unheard. This duality highlights the need for careful consideration of both the benefits and potential drawbacks as agentic AI continues to evolve. Recommended read:
References :
@learn.aisingapore.org
//
Amazon is expanding its AI capabilities, focusing on both customer-facing and internal operational improvements. A key development is the enhanced Amazon Q Business, a generative AI-powered assistant now supporting anonymous user access. This feature allows businesses to create public-facing applications, such as Q&A sections on websites, documentation portals, and self-service customer support, without requiring user authentication. This provides guest users with AI-driven assistance to quickly find product information, navigate documentation, and troubleshoot issues.
The anonymous Amazon Q Business applications can be integrated into websites using either an embedded web experience via an iframe or through customized interfaces built with Chat, ChatSync, and PutFeedback APIs. Amazon offers a consumption-based pricing model for these anonymous applications, charging based on the number of Chat or ChatSync API operations. This allows businesses to offer powerful AI assistance to a wider audience while maintaining control over costs and deployment. In addition to AI-powered customer service, Amazon is also enhancing its warehouse operations with the introduction of the Vulcan robot. Equipped with gripping pincers, built-in conveyor belts, and a pointed probe, Vulcan is designed to handle 75% of the package types in Amazon's fulfillment centers. This robot represents a significant advancement in robotics, as it can "feel" objects, enabling it to handle a variety of items with the necessary strength and agility. Amazon says this "touch" capability is a fundamental leap forward, differentiating Vulcan from previous robots that lacked the ability to sense contact. Recommended read:
References :
@techradar.com
//
AI agents are rapidly transforming business operations, marketing strategies, and customer support systems. Recent findings indicate a potential 25% decrease in browser searches by the end of the year as AI algorithms increasingly handle shopping tasks. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are already experiencing the benefits of AI-powered voice agents, with a Vida survey reporting increased revenue, improved customer engagement, and enhanced industry leadership positioning among early adopters. However, the adoption of AI voice agents remains uneven, primarily due to concerns about customer preferences for human interaction and potential implementation complexities.
Sendbird Inc. has launched an "omnipresent" AI agent designed to proactively address customer service issues across multiple channels, including web, mobile, email, SMS, WhatsApp, and voice. This agent maintains conversation history, allowing seamless transitions between channels and resolving issues before customers even contact support. By anticipating problems like delivery delays, the AI agent can autonomously handle rescheduling or cancellations, escalating to human support only when necessary. According to IDC, this shift towards omnipresent and proactive support enhances customer experiences, reduces friction, and improves loyalty. As AI agents become more integrated into business processes, security concerns are also escalating. Marta Dern Simon, senior product marketing manager at Oasis Security, emphasizes the emerging challenges in managing and securing these agents, particularly regarding permissions and potential cyberattacks. With AI agents expanding the attack surface, organizations must carefully authenticate, manage, and monitor them, assigning appropriate privilege levels and limiting access to align with specific tasks. RSAC 2025 highlighted the growing demand for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) as businesses prioritize protecting AI/ML models and data pipelines. Recommended read:
References :
Noor Al-Sibai@futurism.com
//
Duolingo, the popular language-learning application, is shifting to an "AI-first" model, initiating a restructuring of its operations to focus on generative AI for content creation and process automation. This move includes a gradual reduction in reliance on contractors, with AI taking over tasks where possible. CEO Luis von Ahn conveyed this strategic shift in an internal memo, emphasizing the need to proactively respond to technological changes, similar to the company’s successful early adoption of a "mobile first" strategy in 2012. He noted that AI is already transforming how work is accomplished within the company.
The primary objective of this transition is to accelerate content delivery and increase its scale. Duolingo views manual content creation as no longer viable for meeting its needs, emphasizing that replacing slow, manual processes with AI-driven solutions is key to providing the desired amount of content for learners in a fraction of the time. Von Ahn stated that without AI, producing new materials would take decades, and that AI integration will also support new features, including video calls. He made sure to note that one of the best decisions the company made recently was replacing a slow, manual content creation process with one powered by AI. Following the announcement of its "AI-first" strategy, Duolingo launched 148 new language courses created with generative AI. CEO Luis von Ahn stated the company was able to develop more courses in less than a year than it had in the previous twelve years combined. The expansion primarily focuses on making seven popular non-English languages – Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin – available across all 28 of Duolingo's supported interface languages, aiming to dramatically expand access for speakers of languages that previously had limited learning options, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Recommended read:
References :
Noor Al-Sibai@futurism.com
//
Duolingo is making a significant shift to an AI-first model, restructuring its operations to focus on generative AI for content creation and process automation. CEO Luis von Ahn announced plans to gradually reduce the company's reliance on contractors, aiming to automate tasks wherever possible. This transition marks a fundamental cultural shift, with leadership emphasizing the transformative power of AI in reshaping how work is accomplished. This mirrors the company's early adoption of a "mobile-first" strategy in 2012 which led to significant recognition.
This strategic move is driven by the need to deliver app content more quickly and at a greater scale. Duolingo states that manual content creation is no longer viable for meeting the company's needs. Replacing slow, manual processes with AI-driven solutions allows for the faster provision of content for learners. The company reported that AI has enabled them to build more courses in one year than in the previous twelve years combined. A large content expansion was recently launched by the company, releasing 148 new language courses which were all created using generative AI. The implementation of AI extends beyond content creation, with plans to integrate it into hiring processes and employee performance reviews. Teams will be encouraged to prioritize automation before requesting additional resources. CEO Luis von Ahn stated that the changes are not intended to reduce the company's focus on employee well-being, adding that the move is not about replacing employees with AI but removing bottlenecks. Instead, the goal is to empower employees to focus on creativity, accelerating Duolingo's mission to deliver language instruction globally. Recommended read:
References :
@news.microsoft.com
//
References:
Ken Yeung
, The Dataiku Blog
,
AI agents are rapidly transforming business operations across various industries, with companies like HubSpot, Writer, and Microsoft leading the charge in developing and deploying these intelligent systems. These agents are designed to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and empower businesses, particularly small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), to compete with larger enterprises. AI agents represent a significant shift in how work is approached, offering the potential to streamline processes and unlock new levels of productivity.
Microsoft is actively working to bring AI agents to organizations, emphasizing the importance of adopting an "AI-first mindset" to remain competitive. HubSpot has introduced new AI-powered tools built on its Breeze AI platform, including customer assistants, knowledge base tools, prospecting assistants, and content generators, all designed to help SMBs scale their go-to-market efforts. Writer has launched AI HQ, a centralized hub for enterprises to orchestrate agent-powered work, featuring a low-code Agent Builder and a library of ready-to-use agents for tasks across various sectors like finance and healthcare. Beyond business applications, AI agents are also making strides in other fields. DeepMind has developed an AI that teaches itself to play Minecraft from scratch, demonstrating the ability to learn complex maneuvers without human guidance. Google DeepMind has created AI agents like AMIE and Co-Scientist that are outperforming human doctors in diagnostic accuracy and making independent scientific discoveries. Furthermore, efforts are underway to secure agentic AI systems from threats, ensure model context, and build robust AI architectures to support successful agent implementation. Recommended read:
References :
@www.datasciencecentral.com
//
References:
www.artificialintelligence-new
, www.datasciencecentral.com
AI is rapidly transforming user interface (UI) design by moving away from static interfaces to personalized experiences. AI-driven personalization uses machine learning, behavioral analytics, and real-time data processing to tailor digital interactions for individual users. Data is collected from various sources like browsing history and demographics, then analyzed to segment users into distinct profiles. AI systems then adapt content in real-time using reinforcement learning to create individualized experiences. Ninety-two percent of companies are now using AI-driven personalization to drive growth.
AI agents are not just automating processes; they're reinventing how businesses operate. Certinia, a leader in Professional Services Automation, leverages AI agents to help organizations manage processes from sales to delivery. According to a McKinsey study, businesses must look beyond automation and towards AI-driven reinvention to stay competitive. Agentic AI is capable of reshaping operations, acting autonomously, making decisions, and adapting dynamically. This shift towards Agentic AI also introduces challenges, as companies must address regulatory issues like the EU AI Act, build AI literacy, and focus on use cases with clear ROI. AI governance can no longer be an afterthought. AI-powered systems must incorporate compliance mechanisms, data privacy protections, and explainability features to build trust among users and regulators. Organizations balancing autonomy with oversight in their Agentic AI deployments will likely see the greatest benefits. Recommended read:
References :
|
BenchmarksBlogsResearch Tools |