September 24, 2025

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Scale AI Data Center $3B, UK $126M Policy AI, $16M Mammogram Study

The artificial intelligence landscape is seeing diverse developments, from enhancing customer service to powering massive data centers and aiding policy decisions. Red Lobster is implementing SoundHound AI's system across all its locations to manage phone orders and customer inquiries, a move that has already seen SoundHound AI's stock climb. Meanwhile, SeedlingLabs is launching an AI-native Product Development-as-a-Service to help businesses scale AI applications, addressing the talent shortage by establishing new delivery centers. In North Dakota, Cass County has approved Applied Digital's plan for road construction to support its ambitious $3 billion AI data center project. The UK is investing £11.5 million in a project called METIUS, using AI to help policymakers quickly process scientific evidence for better decision-making, as part of a global $126 million commitment to improve research use in policy. A new $16 million study, the PRISM Trial, will test AI's ability to improve mammogram accuracy for breast cancer screening. However, not all AI applications are meeting expectations; a survey indicates that many sales leaders are not yet seeing significant sales performance boosts from AI tools, with many reporting burnout and strain from shifting priorities. Professor Mohammad Jarrahi's research highlights the importance of human-AI collaboration, emphasizing that AI should augment human capabilities. In entertainment, actress Bella Ramsey voices an AI system in a Nottingham-filmed sci-fi movie exploring AI experimentation on young offenders.

Key Takeaways

  • Red Lobster is deploying SoundHound AI for phone orders across all locations to improve customer service and efficiency.
  • SoundHound AI's stock saw a 4% increase following the announcement of its partnership with Red Lobster.
  • SeedlingLabs has launched as an AI-native Product Development-as-a-Service company to assist businesses in scaling AI applications.
  • Cass County has approved road construction for Applied Digital's $3 billion AI data center project near Harwood, North Dakota.
  • The UK is investing £11.5 million in the METIUS project to use AI for faster scientific evidence synthesis for policymakers.
  • A global alliance is committing $126 million to enhance the use of scientific research in policy decisions.
  • A new $16 million study, the PRISM Trial, will evaluate AI's effectiveness in improving mammogram accuracy for breast cancer screening.
  • A survey of sales leaders indicates that only 28% believe AI is currently boosting sales performance, with many reporting burnout.
  • Research emphasizes the concept of 'human-AI symbiosis,' where AI should augment, not replace, human capabilities.
  • Actress Bella Ramsey voices the central AI system in the sci-fi movie 'The Correction Unit,' filmed in Nottingham.

Red Lobster uses SoundHound AI for phone orders

Red Lobster is partnering with SoundHound AI to use an AI-powered system for phone orders across all its locations. This new technology will help answer every call, even during busy times, and can handle multiple orders at once. The AI can also answer common questions about hours and menu items, sending orders directly to the restaurant's system. This allows Red Lobster staff to focus more on serving customers in person. The system is trained on Red Lobster's full menu for faster and easier ordering.

SoundHound AI stock climbs after Red Lobster deal

SoundHound AI's stock increased by 4% after announcing a partnership with Red Lobster. The deal will bring AI-powered phone ordering to all Red Lobster restaurants. SoundHound's AI can manage multiple calls, take orders, and answer customer questions, sending orders directly to the restaurant's system. This partnership aims to improve customer service by ensuring all calls are answered and freeing up staff for in-person duties. The AI is trained on Red Lobster's menu for efficient ordering.

SeedlingLabs launches AI product development service

SeedlingLabs has launched as an AI-native Product Development-as-a-Service company to help businesses scale AI applications. The company addresses the challenge of growing AI tools due to a shortage of specialized talent. SeedlingLabs uses an AI-driven platform and human engineering to make software development reliable and secure. They plan to open delivery centers in new talent hubs, starting with Gangavathi, to hire over 100 engineers by year-end. This approach combines AI with human skills to drive innovation and growth.

SeedlingLabs offers AI product development services

SeedlingLabs has launched as an AI-native Product Development-as-a-Service company, combining AI with human engineering. The platform helps startups and businesses scale AI applications from initial ideas to full deployment. It addresses the difficulty of scaling AI solutions reliably and securely, especially with a global shortage of AI talent. SeedlingLabs aims to democratize software development with an end-to-end AI platform. They are establishing delivery centers in emerging talent hubs, like Gangavathi, to hire over 100 engineers by the end of the year, focusing on inclusive growth.

AI sales tools may not be as effective as hyped

Many companies are adopting AI tools for sales, but a new survey suggests the benefits might be overblown. A study of nearly 500 sales leaders found only 28% believe AI is boosting sales performance. The survey also revealed that 96% felt strain from shifting priorities and stalled deals, with 80% reporting burnout. Experts suggest companies often adopt AI without the right systems or training, leading to frustration. The report advises choosing AI tools that fit specific sales processes, training staff, and managing expectations for realistic results.

Cass County approves AI data center road construction

Cass County has approved a plan allowing Applied Digital to build new intersections for its planned data center. The company will pay for bypasses and turn lanes to manage truck traffic for the $3 billion AI data center project near Harwood, North Dakota. This agreement aims to keep heavy machinery traffic away from the city of Harwood. Applied Digital will cover construction costs for the new access points, which the county will maintain afterward. Construction on the 280-megawatt facility is expected to finish by early 2027, creating about 700 construction jobs.

Professor Jarrahi studies AI and human collaboration

Mohammad Jarrahi, a professor at the University of North Carolina, researches how people and AI work together, a concept he calls 'human-AI symbiosis.' He studies how AI systems manage and interact with people in modern workplaces, including gig platforms and flexible work arrangements. Jarrahi emphasizes that AI should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. He believes understanding AI requires looking at its social and organizational context, not just the technology itself. His work aims to help people understand the evolving relationship between humans and AI.

Bella Ramsey voices AI in Nottingham-filmed sci-fi movie

Actress Bella Ramsey, known for 'The Last of Us,' voices the central AI system named nTrac in a new independent sci-fi thriller called 'The Correction Unit.' The film, shot entirely in Nottingham, explores what happens when young offenders are experimented on with AI technology. Director Derry Shillitto was inspired to write the movie during the Covid-19 pandemic, questioning the intentions of those controlling AI. The film premiered in Nottingham and aims to reach a wider audience with Ramsey's involvement.

UK invests £11.5 million in AI for policy decisions

The UK is investing £11.5 million in a new AI-driven project called METIUS to help policymakers quickly understand scientific evidence. This initiative aims to use AI to make evidence synthesis faster, more relevant, and accessible for decision-makers tackling global challenges. The project is a collaboration between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is part of a larger global alliance committing $126 million to improve the use of scientific research for policy, supporting goals like the UN Sustainability Development Goals.

AI boosts productivity but sales adoption lags

While AI has improved productivity in areas like software development, its adoption and impact in sales have been slower. Sales teams often spend only about 25% of their time directly selling, with AI having the potential to double this by handling administrative tasks. Early successes show AI can improve sales win rates by 30% or more. However, realizing these benefits requires reimagining sales processes, not just automating existing ones. Companies need to identify key areas for AI implementation, secure leadership support, and ensure data quality and proper training for sales teams.

AI to be tested for mammogram accuracy in new study

A new $16 million national study called the PRISM Trial will evaluate if artificial intelligence (AI) can help radiologists interpret mammograms more accurately. Led by UCLA and UC Davis, the trial will involve hundreds of thousands of mammograms across five states. The goal is to improve breast cancer screening, reduce unnecessary callbacks, and ease patient anxiety. An FDA-cleared AI tool, Transpara by ScreenPoint Medical, will be studied alongside radiologists, who will always make the final decision. The study also includes patient feedback to understand their experience with AI-assisted care.

Sources

AI applications AI in customer service AI in sales AI product development AI for policy AI in healthcare AI data centers Human-AI collaboration AI ethics AI technology SoundHound AI Red Lobster SeedlingLabs Applied Digital UK AI investment AI productivity AI adoption