Artificial intelligence at McDonald's & Goldman Sachs: The surprising AI offensive of the industry giants-creative image: Xpert.digital
From science fiction to reality: the power of AI in the modern world
The ubiquitous intelligence: how artificial intelligence redesigned our world
Artificial intelligence (AI) has developed into an indispensable part of modern economy and society at a breathtaking pace of a technology that was native to laboratories and universities. What once existed as a futuristic vision in science fiction films and novels is now a reality and penetrates almost every sector of the economy and fundamentally changes the way we live, work and interact. This transformation is not just a technological progress, but a profound social change that has the potential to change our world to a dimensions in the coming decades that we can hardly imagine today.
The rise of AI is not a sudden phenomenon, but the result of decades of research and development. The basics were laid in the 1950s, but only in recent years, with the exponential growth of computing power, the availability of huge amounts of data (big data) and the progress in the area of mechanical learning, Ki has fully developed her potential. These factors have made it possible to develop complex algorithms that are able to recognize patterns in data, make decisions and even be creative - skills that have traditionally been reserved for the human intellect.
Today we see the effects of AI in all areas of our life. From the algorithms that curate our social media feeds and show us personalized advertising, through the recommendation systems that suggest new films and music to the virtual assistants on our smartphones who answer our questions and do tasks for us-AI is already an integral part of our digital everyday life. However, the commercialization and integration of AI goes far beyond these everyday applications and fundamentally changes the business models of companies, the efficiency of industries and the way we interact with technology.
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Financial sector in upheaval: AI as a driver of efficiency and innovation
The financial sector has proven to be one of the pioneers in the adaptation and commercialization of AI technologies. The industry, which is traditionally based on data analysis, risk management and fast decisions, has recognized the immense potential of AI early on to optimize processes, reduce costs and develop new services. Colon banks, investment companies, insurance and fintech startups invest massively in AI solutions to secure a competitive advantage and to meet the increasing requirements of a rapidly changing market.
An impressive example of the transformative power of the AI in the financial sector provides the Goldman Sachs investment banking. CEO David Solomon reported on the Cisco Ai Summit of a revolution in the creation of stock market prospectus, the so-called S-1 documents. What used to take a team of around six employees over two weeks can be done in a few minutes thanks to AI support, 95 percent. This automation frees the experts from repetitive routine tasks and enables you to concentrate on the remaining five percent that make up the actual competitive advantage - strategic analysis, creative problem solving and personal customer care. The majority of the work, which was previously time-consuming and resource-intensive, has become efficient and inexpensive due to AI systems.
Goldman Sachs pursues a comprehensive AI strategy that aims to integrate the technology in all areas of the banking business. One central goal is to increase the productivity of around 11,000 developers by 30 percent through the use of AI-based programming tools. These tools can, for example, generate code suggestions, identify and remove errors and automate repetitive programming tasks. In addition, the company plans to analyze its huge databases -including 40 years of merchant data -with the help of AI in order to gain valuable insights and to make them available to customers in the form of personalized financial products and services. As one of the world's leading banks for stock exchange, Goldman Sachs sees the increased use of AI to further expand its market position, open up new business areas and to secure its competitiveness in the long term.
But the massive investments in AI in the financial sector are not without criticism. An analysis by Goldman Sachs himself shows that investors are increasingly concerned that technology giants such as Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Alphabet invest too much capital in artificial intelligence without these investments being reflected in corresponding sales and profits. The US technology companies spent around $ 357 billion for investments as well as research and development last year, with a significant part of it in AI flow. The market now expects these enormous editions to pay off and lead to measurable results. If this is not the case, evaluation declines and a correction of the high expectations of AI technologies could result.
Despite these concerns, the potential of AI in the financial sector is immense and diverse. In addition to automating routine tasks and increasing efficiency, AI enables the development of new, innovative financial products and services. Algorithmic trading, in which AI systems independently make trading decisions, has already established itself in certain market segments and contributes to the efficiency and liquidity of the markets. In the area of risk management, AI models can analyze complex risk factors and recognize warning signals at an early stage in order to avoid losses and strengthen the stability of the financial system. Ki also opens up new opportunities in the area of customer care and advice. Chatbots and virtual assistants can answer customer inquiries around the clock, offer personalized financial advice and simplify access to financial services. Personalized financial advice, supported by AI, enables the individual needs and financial goals of customers to better understand and offer tailor -made solutions. This ranges from automated portfolio management (robo-advisors) to personalized loan offerings and insurance plans.
Gastronomy and retail in AI fever: The customer experience redefined
Ki also revolutionizes the operating processes and the customer experience in catering and retail. In an industry that is characterized by high personnel costs, tight margins and increasing customer expectations, KI offers the opportunity to increase efficiency, reduce costs and at the same time improve customer experience. System catering chains, retailers and e-commerce companies are increasingly relying on AI solutions to strengthen their competitiveness and reposition themselves in the digital age.
McDonald's, the global fast food giant, has intensively tested the use of artificial intelligence when accepting orders over a period of two years. Although this specific test run was completed, the company confirmed its confidence in AI-based ordering systems. "A solution for language orders in the Drive-Thru will be part of the future of our restaurants," said the company. McDonald's plans to commit himself to a technical solution by the end of the year and to introduce it to his restaurants worldwide.
The progress in the field of AI language models, especially the generative AI, have opened the door for natural and intuitive interactions between humans and machines. These models are able to understand, interpret and generate human language, which makes it ideal for applications in the field of customer communication. Speech recognition is particularly suitable for ordering processes in system catering, since the word selection used is limited and standardized. Modern AI systems are able to recognize various accents, background noises and individual speech habits and reliably record orders. Generative AI, as it is used, for example, in Chatbot Chatgpt, can already formulate sentences at the linguistic level of a person and thereby ensure a natural and pleasant interaction with customers.
The competition in the field of AI-based ordering systems in the catering trade is intensive. Other fast food chains such as Wendy's and Carl's Jr. are already experimenting with similar technologies. McDonald's agreed in December a partnership with Google that focuses on generative AI. The details of this collaboration are not yet known, but it underlines McDonald's strategic interest in AI and the importance of the partnership with a technological giant like Google. Industry experts expect AI-based ordering systems to become the standard in system catering in the medium term, which increases both operational efficiency and opens up new opportunities for personalized customer experiences. For example, personalized menu suggestions based on previous orders, preferences or even current nutritional needs of customers are conceivable.
Ki also revolutionizes the customer experience and operating processes in retail. In e-commerce, AI-based recommendation systems are used to make customers personalized product suggestions and increase the conversion rate. Chatbots answer customer questions around the clock, help with the product selection and support with orders and returns. In stationary shops, AI-based camera systems are used to analyze customer currents, optimize waiting times and use the staff more efficiently. Smart shelves recognize when products go out and automatically trigger re -orders. Personalized advertising on digital displays in the shops addresses customers in a targeted manner and increases the likelihood of spontaneous purchases. The integration of AI into retail aims to make the shopping experience more pleasant, more efficient and more personalized for customers and at the same time reduce operating costs and increase sales.
Automotive industry in change: AI as a key technology for the future of mobility
The automotive industry is located in the middle of a profound change, which is characterized by electrification, autonomous driving and digitization. Artificial intelligence plays a key role in this transformation process and is seen as a decisive technology for the future of mobility. Automobile manufacturers worldwide invest billions in research and development in the field of AI in order to secure a competitive advantage and use the new possibilities of technology.
General Motors (GM) recently took an important step towards strategic integration of AI with the cessation of Barak Turovsky as Chief Ai Officer. Turovsky, who previously headed AI departments at Cisco and Google, will develop and implement the company's AI strategy at GM. Its appointment underlines the growing importance of AI for the strategic orientation of the automobile manufacturer. Dave Richardson, Senior Vice President Software and Service Engineering at GM, emphasized the central role of AI for the future of the company: "KI is of central importance for the EV, ICE and Autonomous future of GM." This statement shows that AI is not only relevant for electric vehicles and autonomous driving, but will also continue to play an important role for conventional internal combustion engines.
The Turovsky team will work on the integration of AI software functions in the entire GM vehicle range. This includes applications such as driver assistance systems (ADAS) that make driving more secure and comfortable, infotainment systems that offer personalized content and services, and predictive maintenance systems that recognize failures at an early stage and optimize maintenance intervals. GM also uses KI in its manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, improve quality and reduce costs. Examples of this are AI-controlled robots in production that enable more precise and faster assembly processes, and AI-based quality control systems that recognize errors at an early stage and reduce committee. In addition, GM KI uses location planning for charging stations for electric vehicles and to improve vehicle orders for dealers.
The creation of the position of Chief Ai Officer at GM is part of a wider trend in the automotive industry to strengthen software expertise and develop into technology-oriented companies. In 2024, GM promoted two former Apple managers from Apple, Dave Richardson and Baris Cetinok, to the management of the automotive manufacturer's software organization. These personnel decisions illustrate the transformation of the automotive industry to an industry in which software and AI play an increasingly important role. The integration of AI into vehicles and production processes not only promises efficiency increases and an improved customer experience, but also the development of new business models and sources of income. For example, data-based services related to the vehicle, such as personalized insurance offers, mobility services, or entertainment offers are conceivable. Autonomous driving, which is made possible by AI technologies, also has the potential to fundamentally change the automotive industry and to establish new business models in the field of mobility.
Technology groups as AI pioneers: Focus on new services and business models
The technology sector is the engine of AI development and drives the commercialization of technology particularly intensely. Technologists such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Meta invest billions in research and development in the field of AI and develop new services and business models based on AI technologies. These companies see KI a key technology to secure their competitiveness, to develop new markets and to expand their position as an innovation leader.
Google is currently testing a new “AI Mode” in its search interface, which could fundamentally change the way we are looking for and find information. The AI Mode, which appears as an additional tab in addition to the known categories such as “pictures” and “News”, provides directly from artificial intelligence generated answers to search queries. In contrast to the traditional search results based on the indexing of websites, the AI fashion summarizes information from various sources and presents them in natural language. The functionality is reminiscent of the integration of AI-supported chatbots and aims not only to provide users to websites, but also to provide comprehensive, directly usable information.
The introduction of AI Mode could have far -reaching effects on the search behavior of internet users and search engine optimization (SEO). So far, users had to click through a variety of links to find the desired information. The AI Mode bundles the relevant information and displayed directly, which could lead to classic search results losing importance. This development would mean a fundamental change in search habits and website operators force to adapt their SEO strategies. The higher efficiency in information procurement could benefit users, but at the same time reduce traffic to external websites, which could have far-reaching consequences for the Internet ecosystem. The question arises how website operators will have to optimize their content in the future in order to be taken into account in Google AI Mode and to continue to generate relevant traffic.
Amazon is investing in a completely new area of AI development, the “Agentic Artificial Intelligence”. The company has founded a new group that focuses on this form of AI, which should automate tasks for users so that they no longer have to initiate actions themselves. Agentic AI goes beyond the previous AI applications, which are usually limited to reactive tasks. Agentic AI systems should act proactively, make decisions and do tasks independently, based on the needs and goals of the users. AWS CEO Matt Garman sees Agentic Ai the potential to become the next multi-billion dollar business for AWS. Amazon demonstrated some of these functions when the announcement of an improved version of his voice assistant Alexa, which is later to be introduced for selected customers this month. This strategic focus on agent-based AI systems could give Amazon a competitive advantage and enable the company to offer new innovative services that go beyond the previous AI applications. For example, AI-controlled personal assistants who organize the everyday life of users are conceivable, and they automatically do tasks and react proactively to needs.
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Education and talent promotion: The next generation of AI experts
The increasing need for AI expertise presents the education sector with great challenges, but also with great opportunities. In order to meet the need for qualified specialists, educational institutions must expand their offers and adapt to the new requirements of the labor market. Universities, universities of applied sciences and vocational schools are developing new courses, further training programs and certifications in the field of AI to train the next generation of AI experts.
The University of South Florida (USF) has announced that it would found the first college for artificial intelligence and cyber security in the state of Florida. The new college, which still requires approval by the U.S. Board of Trustees, is intended to offer both basic and further courses and include certifications and further training opportunities. Around 200 faculty members of the university are already researching AI, cyber security and related topics. The creation of a dedicated academic unit is intended to create synergies and promote interdisciplinary cooperation. USF President Rhea Law emphasized the strategic positioning of the university: "Due to the expertise of our faculty and our strong partnerships with the economy, the University of South Florida is strategically positioned in order to take a global leadership role in these areas." The university plans to open the college by autumn 2025.
The founding of the college is a reaction to the dramatically increasing need for qualified specialists in the field of AI and cybersecurity. According to a press release from the USF, the United States has experienced “five times the increase in demand for AI skills”. The National Science Foundation provided more than $ 800 million for AI-related research last year, which underlines the growing importance of this area. The USF's initiative is a wider trend of integration of AI into university formation. As early as 2020, the University of Florida announced a plan to integrate AI into the curriculum of every graduate after a donation of $ 70 million. The systematic training of specialists in the field of AI and cyber security is crucial for economic development and national security. Companies of all industries are desperately looking for employees with appropriate qualifications, and educational institutions such as the USF help to close this gap. Academic training in AI not only includes technical aspects, but increasingly also ethical, social and economic dimensions of technology. It is about not only developing and implementing AI systems, but also understanding the social effects and dealing responsibly with the technology.
AI in everyday life: Intelligent objects conquer our everyday life
The integration of artificial intelligence into everyday objects marks a new phase of AI commercialization. AI functions are brought directly into the hands of consumers and integrated into products that we use every day. From smart speakers and intelligent household appliances to AI-based wearables and everyday objects-AI is increasingly invisible and of course present in our lives.
An example of this development is the “One Smart Ai Pen”, an intelligent pen presented on a Kickstarter campaign. This pen is advertised as the first writing instrument worldwide, which is expanded by chatting integration, real-time translation and voice control. Despite its inconspicuous exterior, which resembles an ordinary ballpoint pen, the pen contains advanced technology such as a AI assistant chip, a Bluetooth chip, a battery, a microphone with noise suppression and space for a microSD card. With a weight of only 30 grams and a battery life of up to 30 hours, the pen connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth 5.2.
The Smart Ai Pen offers a variety of functions that are made possible by AI. Through chatt integration, the pen can offer immediate writing suggestions, generate ideas or create email designs. The translation function covers more than 52 languages and enables real-time communication over language barriers. In addition, the device can absorb dictations, summarize meetings, transcribe handwritten notes, set memories and create to-do lists. The integrated microphone in combination with the microSD card allows the smart pen to record meetings and later convert them into text. These diverse functions make the pen a potentially valuable tool for various professional and private contexts.
The Smart Ai Pen represents a wider trend towards the “democratization” of AI, in which advanced AI functions are available in affordable and user-friendly consumer products. It is to be expected that more and more everyday objects will be equipped with AI functions in the coming years and that our everyday life is more intelligent, efficient and comfortable. For example, intelligent clothing that monitors our vital functions and gives us personalized recommendations for health and well-being, smart household appliances that automatically adapt to our needs and save energy, or AI-supported educational toys that support children individually and support their development. The integration of AI into everyday objects has the potential to fundamentally change our everyday life and to support and relieve us in many areas.
AI as a strategic partner: the co-pilot for corporate decisions
Artificial intelligence develops from a tool to automate routine tasks to a strategic partner for companies. AI systems are increasingly used to analyze complex data, recognize patterns, create forecasts and make well-founded decisions. In the corporate strategy, AI plays an increasing role and is considered a key technology to gain competitive advantages, to promote innovations and to secure long -term success.
A particularly valuable area of application from AI in the corporate strategy is pricing. In the complex and dynamic global economy, strategic pricing is a decisive factor for the company's success. AI technologies enable companies to analyze historical data, recognize profit and loss patterns and to apply this findings to future tenders and offers. AI-based price optimization systems can take into account complex factors such as competitive prices, demand forecasts, cost structures and seasonal fluctuations in order to determine optimal prices that maximize sales and profits. Companies that integrate AI into their price strategies were able to achieve sales increases from 12% to 25% and margin improvements from 17% to 25%. Especially in European markets such as Italy, Spain, France and the Nordic countries, the use of AI has proven to be particularly successful in tenders and RFP prices.
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AI is increasingly developing into a “gamuchanger” in corporate management. In order to exploit the full potential of AI, a structured approach is crucial. Companies particularly benefit from five key strategies for successful AI integration:
1. Development of a comprehensive AI strategy
Companies need a clear vision and strategy for the use of AI, which is tailored to their specific business goals and challenges. The strategy should define in which areas AI should be used, which goals are pursued and which resources are required.
2. Building a strong database
AI systems are data hungry and require large amounts of high-quality data to work effectively. Companies must invest in the establishment of a robust data infrastructure, collect data, store, process and analyze. It is important to pay attention to data quality, data security and data protection.
3. Talentakanquise and development
For the successful implementation and use of AI, companies need qualified specialists with expertise in the areas of AI, data science, software development and related disciplines. Companies have to invest in recruitment, training and further education of AI talents and promote a corporate culture that supports innovation and willingness to experiment.
4. Investment in the right technology infrastructure
AI applications require a powerful technology infrastructure that comprises computing power, storage space, network capacity and cloud services. Companies have to invest in the right hardware, software and cloud platforms in order to operate AI applications efficiently and scalable.
5. Ethical and responsible AI development
With the increasing spread of AI, ethical and social issues are becoming increasingly important. Companies must ensure that AI systems are ethically justifiable, transparent, fair and responsibly developed and used. This includes taking data protection, bias avoidance, transparency and accountability.
The successful integration of AI into companies requires a holistic approach that includes technology, strategy, organization, culture and ethics. Companies that master these challenges and use AI strategically have the potential to increase their competitiveness, promote innovations and to secure long -term success. The journey of AI commercialization and integration has just started, and the future promises many exciting developments and transformative changes in business and society.
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