Digital business models Archives | Page 405 of 581

Autonomous AI agents are the next phase of enterprise automation

Organisations across sectors are turning to agentic automation—an emerging class of AI systems designed to think, plan, and act autonomously to solve complex, multi-step problems.

Unlike traditional automation tools, which follow rigid rules, agentic systems use large language models (LLMs) and robotic process automation (RPA) to navigate ambiguity and make contextual decisions.

‘Agentic automation is the next generation of automation,’ said UiPath VP Robbie Mackness. ‘It’s about creating systems that can observe, reason, and act with minimal human input.’

Early adopters include the financial sector, where over 25% of firms plan to deploy agentic solutions this year, according to Bank Automation News.

Companies like BlackLine are using it to automate high-judgement accounting tasks, while public sector agencies like the US Navy are trialling the technology for logistics and admin workloads. The recruitment industry is also exploring AI agents for candidate screening and initial assessments.

Experts caution that success depends on identifying the right use cases and implementing proper governance. Still, the potential is clear: agentic automation could unlock entirely new capabilities and redefine how complex work gets done.

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Morrisons tests Tally robots amid job cut fears

Supermarket giant Morrisons has introduced shel f-scanning robots in several of its UK stores as part of a push to streamline operations and improve inventory accuracy.

The robots, known as Tally, are currently being trialled in three branches—Wetherby, Redcar, and Stockton—where they autonomously roam aisles to monitor product placement, stock levels, and pricing.

Developed by US-based Symbi Robotics, Tally is the world’s first autonomous item-scanning robot, capable of scanning up to 30,000 items per hour with 99% accuracy.

Already in use by major international retailers including Carrefour and Kroger, the robot is designed to operate in a range of retail environments, from chilled aisles to traditional shelves.

Morrisons says the robots will enhance store efficiency and reduce out-of-stock issues, but the move has sparked concern after reports that as many as 365 employees could lose their jobs due to automation.

The robots are part of a broader trend in retail toward AI-powered tools that boost productivity—but often at the expense of human labour.

Tally units are slim, mobile, and equipped with friendly digital faces. They return automatically to their charging stations when power runs low, and operate with minimal staff intervention.

While Morrisons has not confirmed a wider rollout in the UK, the trial reflects a growing shift in retail automation. As AI technologies evolve, companies are weighing the balance between operational gains and workforce impact.

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Some Google apps are better off without AI

With Google I/O 2025 around the corner, concerns are growing about artificial intelligence creeping into every corner of Google’s ecosystem. While AI has enhanced tools like Gmail and Photos, some users are urging Google to leave certain apps untouched.

These include fan favourites like Emoji Kitchen, Google Keep, and Google Wallet, which continue to shine due to their simplicity and human-focused design. Critics argue that introducing generative AI to these apps could diminish what makes them special.

Emoji Kitchen’s handcrafted stickers, for example, are widely praised compared to Apple’s AI-driven alternatives. Likewise, Google Keep and Wallet are valued for their light, efficient interfaces that serve clear purposes without AI interference.

Even in environments where AI might seem useful, such as Android Auto and Google Flights, the call is for restraint. Users appreciate clear menus and limited distractions over chatbots making unsolicited suggestions.

As AI continues to dominate tech conversations, a growing number of voices are asking Google to preserve the balance between innovation and usability.

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Gemini wins EU approval for crypto derivatives

Gemini has received a MiFID II licence from the Malta Financial Services Authority, allowing it to offer regulated crypto derivatives across the EU and EEA.

The exchange, founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, plans to offer products like perpetual futures to advanced traders. According to Gemini’s European head Mark Jennings, the licence is a major step in expanding services to retail and institutional clients.

Gemini will now work to meet final conditions before launching derivatives products. Its Maltese entity, Gemini Intergalactic EU Artemis, was granted the licence on 8 May.

The company had already chosen Malta as its base for compliance with Europe’s upcoming MiCA regulations. While it holds six VASP registrations in Europe, Gemini is still awaiting full MiCA approval.

Crypto derivatives are growing fast. Coinbase recently announced a $2.9 billion deal to buy Deribit, while Kraken plans to acquire NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion. Gemini’s move marks its entry into this competitive space.

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New AI tool predicts post-surgery infection risk

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) has developed a pioneering AI model, PERISCOPE, designed to predict infection risk in patients following surgery. PERISCOPE will become a standard tool at LUMC, with full implementation expected by mid-2026.

Based on data from over 250,000 surgical procedures, the tool provides a personalised risk assessment within seven to thirty days post-operation, helping healthcare providers intervene earlier and reduce complications.

The AI model, developed by PhD researcher Siri van der Meijden, uses pseudonymised patient data including medical history, vital signs and existing conditions to identify those most at risk.

During testing, PERISCOPE performed as well as experienced doctors and outperformed less experienced ones, making it a valuable decision-support tool. Once fully adopted, the tool is expected to save time, improve patient outcomes, and potentially predict other complications.

Rather than replace clinicians, it complements their judgement by offering a clear, visual dashboard of infection risk levels. Integration into hospital systems remains a challenge, but preparations are underway.

Van der Meijden continues to develop the model to expand its predictive capabilities and ensure long-term impact not only in the Netherlands, but globally.

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Lendlord introduces AI tools for property investors

Lendlord has launched LendlordAI, a suite of AI tools designed to support landlords and property investors with faster, smarter decision-making.

Available now to all users of the platform, the AI assistant offers instant insights into property listings, real-time deal analysis, and automated portfolio reviews.

The system helps estimate refurbishment costs and projected value for BRR and flip projects, while also generating summaries and even drafting emails for communication with agents or tenants.

These features aim to cut through information overload and support efficient portfolio management.

Co-founder and CEO Aviram Shahar described LendlordAI as a tailored smart assistant for professionals, reducing manual work and offering clarity in a complex investment market.

The platform also includes account-specific responses and educational resources to help users improve their knowledge.

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New AI tool boosts delivery of children’s support plans

In the US, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has introduced AI to speed up the production of special educational needs reports amid growing demand. The new system is already showing results, with 83% of plans issued within the 20-week target in April, up from just 43% the previous year.

Traditionally compiled by individual case workers, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are now being partially automated using AI trained to extract information from psychological and medical documents.

Despite the use of AI, a human case worker still reviews each report to check for accuracy and ensure the needs of the child are properly represented.

The aim is to improve both efficiency and the quality of reports by allowing staff to focus on substance rather than repetitive formatting tasks.

Councillors welcomed the move, highlighting the potential of technology to reduce backlogs and improve outcomes for families.

Alongside the AI rollout, the US council has hired more educational psychologists, reformed the application process, and increased early intervention efforts to manage rising demand.

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OpenAI backs away from for-profit transition amid scrutiny

OpenAI has announced it will no longer pursue a full transition to a for-profit company. Instead, it will restructure its commercial arm as a public benefit corporation (PBC), retaining oversight by its nonprofit board.

The move comes after discussions with the attorneys general of California and Delaware, and growing concerns about governance and mission drift. The nonprofit board—best known for briefly removing CEO Sam Altman—will continue to oversee the company and appoint the PBC board.

Investors will now hold regular, uncapped equity in the PBC, replacing the previous 100x return cap, a change designed to attract future funding. The nonprofit will also gain a growing equity stake in the business arm.

In a message to staff, Altman said OpenAI remains committed to building AI that benefits humanity and sees this structure as the best path forward. Critics, including former staff, say questions remain about technology ownership and long-term priorities.

At the same time, Meta is positioning itself as a major rival. It recently launched a standalone AI assistant app, powered by its Llama 4 model and available across platforms including Ray-Ban smart glasses. The app includes a social Discover feed, encouraging interaction with shared AI outputs.

OpenAI’s new structure attempts to balance commercial growth with ethical governance—a model that may influence how other AI firms approach funding, control, and public accountability.

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Alphabet stock dips as AI tools begin to dent Google search volumes

Alphabet shares fell sharply on Wednesday following courtroom testimony that Google searches on Apple’s Safari browser declined in April—reportedly for the first time ever.

Apple’s senior executive Eddy Cue said the drop came as users increasingly turned to AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity instead of traditional search engines.

The market reaction was swift, with Alphabet losing ground before partially recovering after Google clarified that overall search volumes remain on the rise.

Several analysts argued the sell-off may have been exaggerated, noting Apple’s incentive to downplay Google’s dominance as the companies face antitrust scrutiny. In 2022, Google reportedly paid Apple $20 billion to remain Safari’s default search provider.

Still, some analysts warn of a longer-term shift. Tech veteran Gene Munster called it the ‘beginning of the decline’, arguing that the way people find information is undergoing a fundamental change. Unlike search results pages, AI assistants provide direct answers—undermining Google’s ad-driven revenue model.

While Alphabet still owns a broad portfolio including YouTube, Android, Google Cloud and autonomous driving company Waymo, its core business is facing structural headwinds.

Investors are already adjusting expectations. Alphabet’s price-to-earnings ratio has dropped to 18, down from a 10-year average of 28, reflecting growing concerns around disruption.

Some see an opportunity; others, a reckoning. Whether this moment marks a short-term dip or a longer-term revaluation will depend on how Google adapts to the AI-driven shift in how people search for—and monetise—information.

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Trump’s crypto ventures delay stablecoin and crypto policy progress

Discussions about the conflict of interest surrounding US President Donald Trump’s crypto ventures are delaying crypto legislation. Democrats are blocking the stablecoin bill, the GENIUS Act, to prevent Trump from profiting off crypto.

Ryan Gilbert, founder of Launchpad Capital, said, ‘It’s unfortunate that personal business is getting in the way of good policy.’

The GENIUS Act, which aims to regulate US payment stablecoins, was expected to pass easily. However, it failed in the Senate on 6 May, with a 48-49 vote. Trump’s crypto activities have stalled discussions on the broader market structure bill.

The issue began when Trump launched the $TRUMP memecoin before his inauguration. The coin’s price surged, benefiting Trump-linked companies, but later collapsed, leaving small investors with significant losses.

In March, Trump’s family reportedly discussed buying a stake in the US arm of Binance, which faced anti-money laundering legal issues.

Further concerns arose when Trump-linked World Liberty Financial (WLF) planned to launch the USD1 stablecoin, backed by investment giant MGX. The move has sparked debates about Trump’s use of crypto ventures to enrich himself.

Some Democratic Senators have introduced the End Crypto Corruption Act. It would stop Congress members and their families from endorsing crypto. Despite the concerns, negotiations around the GENIUS Act continue, but its timeline remains uncertain.

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