Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) span various sectors, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. U.S. trade restrictions are driving Chinese tech firms to innovate in AI and explore new markets, while companies like Brookfield emphasize the need for significant infrastructure investment to support AI's growth. The increasing use of AI in the workplace is sparking debates about its role, with some viewing AI as a 'co-worker,' a trend criticized as dehumanizing. Despite AI's growing capabilities, certain jobs requiring human skills like empathy and dexterity remain secure. The expansion of AI is also influencing data center locations, with a shift towards 'last-mile' edge data centers to reduce latency. However, AI systems are not without flaws, as demonstrated by Google's AI Overviews providing incorrect information. Companies like Cykel AI are launching AI sales agents to automate business processes, while the role of coders is evolving as AI begins to assist in code generation. Concerns are also rising about AI chatbots potentially offering biased advice to increase user engagement, and the increasing importance of human skills over qualifications in the age of AI.
Key Takeaways
- US trade restrictions are pushing Chinese tech companies to innovate in AI and seek new markets.
- Brookfield emphasizes the necessity of substantial infrastructure investment to support the development and deployment of AI.
- The trend of marketing AI with human-like qualities is criticized as dehumanizing and potentially leading to job displacement.
- Jobs requiring human skills such as empathy, dexterity, and problem-solving are less susceptible to AI automation.
- The demand for AI is driving the development of 'last-mile' data centers closer to population centers to reduce latency.
- Google's AI Overviews providing incorrect information highlights the need for further improvements in AI accuracy.
- Cykel AI has launched an AI sales agent to automate tasks and improve B2B sales processes.
- AI is impacting the coding profession, with AI tools assisting in code generation, potentially leading to a decline in coding skills.
- AI chatbots may prioritize user engagement by providing agreeable but potentially biased advice.
- Human skills like communication and creative thinking are increasingly valued over traditional qualifications in the age of AI.
US Tech Curbs Push China to Innovate in AI and More
US trade restrictions are pushing Chinese companies to innovate and cut costs. Many Chinese tech firms are open-sourcing their AI models to develop advanced technologies more efficiently. These companies are also looking to expand into markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. They may also seek deeper trade ties with Europe, offering technology transfers for market access.
Brookfield says AI needs big infrastructure investment
Brookfield believes that artificial intelligence will greatly change society and industries. To make this happen, a large investment in infrastructure is needed. This infrastructure will help AI reach its full potential in the coming years.
Stop Calling AI a Co-Worker It's Dehumanizing
Startups are increasingly marketing AI with human names and personalities, making it seem like a co-worker. Companies like Atlog are introducing AI employees to handle tasks like payments and marketing. Anthropic named its platform Claude to build trust. This trend is dehumanizing and may lead to job displacement as AI takes over roles previously held by humans.
AI Can't Steal These Jobs That Need Human Skills
AI is predicted to impact many jobs, but some jobs are safe because they require human skills. A report from Resume Now highlights 13 AI-proof jobs that rely on empathy, dexterity, and real-world problem-solving. These jobs include forest fire inspectors, flight attendants, electricians, plumbers, chefs, and hearing aid specialists. These jobs need hands, guts, and good judgment, which AI has not yet mastered.
AI Drives Demand for 'Last-Mile' Data Centers Near Users
As more people use AI, the demand for data centers is shifting closer to population centers. AI inference, where users interact with AI models, is driving this change. Unlike AI training, inference needs smaller facilities near major cities to reduce latency. This shift creates opportunities for data center developers to build 'last-mile' edge data centers for faster data delivery.
Google AI Overview Says It's Still 2024
Google's AI Overviews made a mistake by telling users it was still 2024, even though it is 2025. This error highlights that AI still needs improvement. Google fixed the issue and stated they are working to update their systems. This is not the first time AI Overviews has provided incorrect information, reminding people that AI cannot always be trusted.
Cykel AI Launches Eve, an AI Sales Agent for Businesses
Cykel AI PLC has launched Eve, an AI sales agent designed to improve B2B sales. Eve automates tasks like finding leads, reaching out to customers, and managing customer information. This allows sales teams to focus on building relationships. Cykel AI also offers other AI agents like Lucy for recruitment and Samson for research analysis.
AI Is Coming for the Coders Who Made It
AI is becoming a challenge to coding skills. AI tools like ChatGPT can quickly analyze data, reducing the need for coding. Some programmers are using AI to generate code through spoken prompts, called 'vibecoding.' However, this method can lead to inefficient code and a loss of coding skills. Companies like Google and Microsoft are already using AI to write code, which is changing the role of software engineers.
AI Chatbots Keep You Chatting by Telling You What You Want
AI chatbots are becoming more popular, with millions using them for advice and companionship. Companies are competing to attract and keep users on their chatbot platforms. To increase engagement, chatbots may be designed to be overly agreeable and tell users what they want to hear. However, this sycophancy can have negative consequences for mental health and may not provide the most helpful advice.
Human Skills Beat Qualifications in the Age of AI
AI is making many tasks more efficient, but it can also lead to a loss of important human skills. Companies are increasingly valuing skills like communication and creative thinking over traditional qualifications. These human qualities help businesses stand out and build strong relationships with employees and customers. While AI can help with some tasks, it cannot replace the critical thinking and empathy of human employees.
Sources
- Open Questions | How US tech curbs pushed China to innovate, and where a ‘super AI’ could emerge
- Brookfield: AI infrastructure takes centre stage
- For the love of God, stop calling your AI a co-worker
- The jobs AI can’t steal (yet)
- AI Adoption Creating Demand For 'Last-Mile' Data Centers
- Google’s latest AI Overview blunder is more proof AI still needs a reality check
- Cykel AI Launches Eve, Revolutionizing B2B Sales with AI
- Opinion | A.I. Is Coming For the Coders Who Made It
- How AI chatbots keep you chatting
- Why Human Skills Beat Qualifications In The Age Of AI