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China’s first bachelor’s program in AI education to address teacher shortage-Xinhua

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A student operates an AI-powered VR device at Shenzhen Xiantian Foreign Language School in south China’s Guangdong Province, March 21, 2025. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Beijing Normal University (BNU) has launched China’s first undergraduate program dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) education, aiming to address a critical shortage of specialized teachers in the field.

The initiative aligns with government directives to boost AI education across primary and secondary schools nationwide, the Science and Technology Daily reported on Wednesday.

In late 2024, the Ministry of Education issued a directive calling for measures to advance AI education in primary and secondary schools.

This year, Beijing’s municipal authorities issued a dedicated AI education plan for 2025-2027, demanding the establishment of regular teaching systems and standardized curricula.

“The shortage of qualified instructors and the lack of specialized training remain major obstacles,” said an official from BNU’s Faculty of Education, adding that the program’s core mission is to train educators equipped with both advanced AI technical skills and strong pedagogical expertise.

“We are leveraging our unique interdisciplinary strengths to cultivate talent that supports the country’s strategic drive toward intelligent education,” the official said.

Unlike purely technical AI degrees, BNU’s AI Education program integrates two essential knowledge streams. The curriculum combines an AI technology module, covering generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and educational data mining, with a foundation in education science, including learning theory, psychology, curriculum design and assessment.

The program also plans to introduce practical innovation courses, such as the application of AI technologies in education.

In addition, compulsory courses cover topics such as AI ethics and data security, instilling in students a core philosophy of “technology serving education,” according to BNU.

Beyond theory, the program fosters practical skills through a unique “university-enterprise-school” collaborative training model, which helps immerse students in real-world teaching environments and technical development projects.

Career prospects in the AI education field are broad, with graduates well-prepared to become AI or information technology teachers, driving digital transformation in primary and secondary schools.

The booming educational technology sector also needs their expertise to develop and refine AI-driven learning platforms and courses. Further career paths include academic research, educational management, and shaping AI education policy, according to the BNU’s Faculty of Education.

“AI advancements are reshaping society at unprecedented rates, profoundly altering education,” said Yu Shengquan, executive director of BNU’s Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education.

“Developing ‘digital citizens’ equipped for this new reality is now a central educational imperative,” Yu added.

The center has previously partnered with Chinese tech giant Tencent to develop a comprehensive AI knowledge framework and curriculum spanning elementary, middle and high school levels, according to Yu. 



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$33B Defense Bill Drives AI and Drone Technology Expansion

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Safe Pro Group (NASDAQ:SPAI) is positioning itself to capitalize on the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which allocates $33 billion for drone and AI defense modernization. The bill, signed on July 4, 2025, includes $13.5 billion for unmanned systems and $16 billion for AI initiatives across defense and border operations.

The company’s AI-powered drone imagery analysis platform, featuring SpotlightAI™ technology, can detect over 150 types of landmines and unexploded ordnance in under a second. The system has already analyzed 1.66 million drone images and identified 28,000+ threats across 6,705 hectares in Ukraine. Safe Pro is also developing integration with the U.S. Army’s ATAK platform for enhanced force protection capabilities.

Safe Pro Group (NASDAQ:SPAI) si sta preparando per sfruttare al meglio il recentemente approvato One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), che destina 33 miliardi di dollari alla modernizzazione della difesa nel campo dei droni e dell’intelligenza artificiale. La legge, firmata il 4 luglio 2025, prevede 13,5 miliardi di dollari per i sistemi senza pilota e 16 miliardi di dollari per iniziative di IA nelle operazioni di difesa e di frontiera.

La piattaforma di analisi delle immagini da drone basata sull’IA dell’azienda, che utilizza la tecnologia SpotlightAI™, è in grado di rilevare più di 150 tipi di mine terrestri e ordigni inesplosi in meno di un secondo. Il sistema ha già analizzato 1,66 milioni di immagini da drone e identificato oltre 28.000 minacce su 6.705 ettari in Ucraina. Safe Pro sta inoltre sviluppando un’integrazione con la piattaforma ATAK dell’esercito USA per migliorare le capacità di protezione delle forze.

Safe Pro Group (NASDAQ:SPAI) se está posicionando para aprovechar la recién aprobada Ley One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), que asigna 33 mil millones de dólares para la modernización de la defensa en drones e inteligencia artificial. La ley, firmada el 4 de julio de 2025, incluye 13,5 mil millones de dólares para sistemas no tripulados y 16 mil millones de dólares para iniciativas de IA en operaciones de defensa y fronteras.

La plataforma de análisis de imágenes de drones impulsada por IA de la compañía, que cuenta con la tecnología SpotlightAI™, puede detectar más de 150 tipos de minas terrestres y municiones sin explotar en menos de un segundo. El sistema ya ha analizado 1,66 millones de imágenes de drones e identificado más de 28,000 amenazas en 6,705 hectáreas en Ucrania. Safe Pro también está desarrollando una integración con la plataforma ATAK del Ejército de EE.UU. para mejorar las capacidades de protección de las fuerzas.

Safe Pro Group (NASDAQ:SPAI)는 최근 통과된 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)를 활용하여 드론 및 AI 방위 현대화에 330억 달러를 배정하는 법안을 기반으로 사업을 확장하고 있습니다. 2025년 7월 4일 서명된 이 법안에는 무인 시스템에 135억 달러, 국방 및 국경 작전 전반에 걸친 AI 이니셔티브에 160억 달러가 포함되어 있습니다.

회사의 AI 기반 드론 이미지 분석 플랫폼인 SpotlightAI™ 기술은 150종 이상의 지뢰 및 미폭발 탄약을 1초 이내에 탐지할 수 있습니다. 이 시스템은 이미 166만 장의 드론 이미지를 분석했으며 우크라이나 6,705헥타르 지역에서 28,000개 이상의 위협을 식별했습니다. Safe Pro는 또한 미 육군의 ATAK 플랫폼과의 통합을 개발 중이며, 이를 통해 부대 보호 능력을 강화할 계획입니다.

Safe Pro Group (NASDAQ:SPAI) se positionne pour tirer parti de la nouvelle loi One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), qui alloue 33 milliards de dollars à la modernisation de la défense dans les domaines des drones et de l’IA. La loi, signée le 4 juillet 2025, prévoit 13,5 milliards de dollars pour les systèmes sans pilote et 16 milliards de dollars pour les initiatives d’IA dans les opérations de défense et aux frontières.

La plateforme d’analyse d’images de drones alimentée par l’IA de l’entreprise, intégrant la technologie SpotlightAI™, peut détecter en moins d’une seconde plus de 150 types de mines terrestres et de munitions non explosées. Le système a déjà analysé 1,66 million d’images de drones et identifié plus de 28 000 menaces sur 6 705 hectares en Ukraine. Safe Pro développe également une intégration avec la plateforme ATAK de l’armée américaine pour renforcer les capacités de protection des forces.

Safe Pro Group (NASDAQ:SPAI) positioniert sich, um von dem kürzlich verabschiedeten One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) zu profitieren, der 33 Milliarden US-Dollar für die Modernisierung der Drohnen- und KI-Verteidigung bereitstellt. Das am 4. Juli 2025 unterzeichnete Gesetz sieht 13,5 Milliarden US-Dollar für unbemannte Systeme und 16 Milliarden US-Dollar für KI-Initiativen in Verteidigungs- und Grenzoperationen vor.

Die KI-gestützte Drohnenbildanalyseplattform des Unternehmens mit der SpotlightAI™-Technologie kann in weniger als einer Sekunde über 150 Arten von Landminen und nicht explodierten Kampfmitteln erkennen. Das System hat bereits 1,66 Millionen Drohnenbilder analysiert und über 28.000 Bedrohungen auf 6.705 Hektar in der Ukraine identifiziert. Safe Pro entwickelt zudem eine Integration mit der ATAK-Plattform der US-Armee zur Verbesserung des Schutzes der Streitkräfte.

Positive


  • Potential access to $33 billion in new government funding for AI and drone technologies

  • Proven track record with 1.66 million drone images analyzed and 28,000+ threats identified

  • Integration capabilities with U.S. Army’s ATAK platform

  • Battle-tested technology with real-world implementation in Ukraine

  • Scalable solution available both on-site and cloud-based through AWS

Negative


  • High dependence on government contracts and funding

  • Competitive market for defense contracts with established prime contractors

  • Success contingent on securing portion of newly allocated funding

Insights


Safe Pro positioned to benefit from $33B defense spending on AI/drones, leveraging proprietary threat detection technology with extensive Ukraine deployment data.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed on July 4, 2025 represents a substantial opportunity for Safe Pro Group (NASDAQ:SPAI). With $13.5 billion allocated for unmanned systems and $16 billion for AI initiatives, this legislation creates a favorable landscape for companies with proven defense-oriented AI solutions.

Safe Pro’s technology stands out due to its specialized capabilities in explosive threat detection. Their AI platform can identify over 150 types of landmines and unexploded ordnance in milliseconds, providing critical battlefield intelligence. What gives their solution particular credibility is its extensive real-world deployment data from Ukraine operations—1.66 million drone images analyzed and 28,000+ threats identified across 6,705 hectares (approximately the size of Manhattan).

The company’s strategic integration with the TAK software ecosystem, particularly the U.S. Army’s Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), positions them well to capture defense contracts. This integration enables real-time threat information sharing across thousands of soldier-carried and vehicle-mounted devices already in use by U.S. Armed Forces, making adoption potentially smoother than competing solutions.

While the press release suggests ongoing discussions with the Department of Defense and prime contractors, it does not confirm any secured contracts yet. The 100% U.S.-based nature of their operation aligns with likely domestic procurement preferences for defense technologies, especially in sensitive AI applications. Safe Pro appears well-positioned to compete for a portion of this defense spending, though actual contract awards remain to be seen.







Company advancing ongoing discussions with Department of Defense and prime contractors who will benefit from massive additional funding availability

AVENTURA, FL / ACCESS Newswire / July 9, 2025 / Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAI) (“Safe Pro” or the “Company”), an emerging leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered security and threat detection solutions, today announces that it sees significant opportunities for its patented AI-powered computer vision technologies for the rapid analysis of drone-based imagery following the passage of the U.S. government’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The bill allocates as much as $33 billion in direct spending on drones and artificial intelligence and broader defense modernization for the Department of Defense (DoD).

Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the OBBBA represents a historic federal commitment to unmanned systems (or drones) and artificial intelligence. Included in the bill is $13.5 billion committed to unmanned systems and $16 billion for investment into government-wide AI initiatives across defense, federal IT modernization and border operations. These investments, slated for Fiscal 2026 collectively, create large opportunities for U.S.-based providers like Safe Pro Group as the funding drives demand for innovation in technologies and field-proven solutions that can utilize drones and AI to address evolving threats, both on the battlefield and domestically, for national security and public safety.

“As the United States seeks to harness the power of drones and AI to support the warfighter and protect its borders, we believe that the passage of the OBBBA creates significant opportunities for our unique, battle-tested imagery analysis technology within the Department of Defense. We look forward to advancing our activities with the multiple program executive offices within the DoD and prime contractors supporting customers on fulfilling new AI capabilities with this new funding,” said Dan Erdberg, chairman and CEO of Safe Pro Group Inc.

The Company’s AI-powered drone-based imagery analysis platform can detect and identify over 150 types of landmines and unexploded ordnance in a fraction of a second per image, rapidly delivering mission-critical situational awareness. Whether deployed on the edge in real-time (SpotlightAITM OnSite) or leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS) on the cloud (SpotlightAITM), the Company’s Safe Pro Object Threat Detection (SPOTD) technology can scale globally, offering solutions for rapid battlefield analysis as well as supporting large-scale commercial and humanitarian demining operations. Powering the Company’s SPOTD technology, Safe Pro’s unique real-world datasets include high-resolution drone imagery and GPS-tagged geospatial data encompassing over 1.66 million drone images analyzed to date, and 28,000+ threats identified across 6,705 hectares in Ukraine, an area nearly equivalent in size to Manhattan.

This dataset is also being used to develop new, real-time force protection solutions for soldiers by integrating the technology into the TAK software ecosystem which includes the U.S. Army’s ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit or ATAK) platform. Integration of SPOTD into ATAK can allow detections of small explosive threats instantly identified in drone-based imagery by the Company’s AI technology to be quickly shared across potentially hundreds of thousands of soldier-carried and vehicle-mounted, wireless connected devices widely utilized by the U.S. Armed Forces.

For more information about Safe Pro Group, its subsidiaries, and technologies, please visit https://safeprogroup.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Safe Pro Group Inc.
Safe Pro Group Inc. is a mission-driven technology company delivering AI-enabled security and defense solutions. Through cutting-edge platforms like SPOTD, Safe Pro provides advanced situational awareness tools for defense, humanitarian, and homeland security applications globally. It is a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions specializing in drone imagery processing leveraging commercially available “off-the-shelf” drones with its proprietary machine learning and computer vision technology to enable rapid identification of explosives threats, providing a much safer and more efficient alternative to traditional human-based analysis methods. Built on a cloud-based ecosystem and powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Safe Pro Group’s scalable platform is targeting multiple markets that include commercial, government, law enforcement and humanitarian sectors where its Safe Pro AI software, Safe-Pro USA protective gear and Airborne Response drone-based services can work in synergy to deliver safety and operational efficiency. For more information on Safe Pro Group Inc., please visit https://safeprogroup.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties. Although Safe Pro Group believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Safe Pro Group has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including ”believes,” ”estimates,” ”anticipates,” ”expects,” ”plans,” ”projects,” ”intends,” ”potential,” ”may,” ”could,” ”might,” ”will,” ”should,” ”approximately” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including market and other conditions. There can be no assurance that inclusion in the Russell Microcap Index will have any appreciable effect on the Company’s market capitalization or market liquidity. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth under Item 1A. in the Company’s most recently filed Form 10-K and updated from time to time in the Company’s Form 10-Q filings and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), copies of which may be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of its date. Safe Pro Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after its date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Media Relations for Safe Pro Group Inc.:
media@safeprogroup.com

Investor Relations for Safe Pro Group Inc.:
Brett Maas, Managing Partner
Hayden IR
(646) 536-7331
Brett@haydenir.com

SOURCE: Safe Pro Group Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire





FAQ



How much funding does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act allocate for AI and drone defense?


The OBBBA allocates $33 billion in total, with $13.5 billion for unmanned systems and $16 billion for AI initiatives across defense and border operations.


What is Safe Pro’s (SPAI) main AI technology capability?


Safe Pro’s AI technology can detect and identify over 150 types of landmines and unexploded ordnance in less than a second per image through their SPOTD (Safe Pro Object Threat Detection) system.


How many threats has Safe Pro’s (SPAI) technology identified in Ukraine?


Safe Pro has identified over 28,000 threats across 6,705 hectares in Ukraine, analyzing 1.66 million drone images in total.


How is Safe Pro (SPAI) integrating with military systems?


Safe Pro is integrating its SPOTD technology into the TAK software ecosystem, including the U.S. Army’s ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit) platform for enhanced force protection capabilities.


What deployment options does Safe Pro (SPAI) offer for its AI technology?


Safe Pro offers two deployment options: SpotlightAI OnSite for real-time edge deployment and SpotlightAI for cloud-based deployment through Amazon Web Services (AWS).





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“Elon Musk Unleashes the Colossus!”: World’s Most Powerful AI Supercomputer Dwarfs All Rivals and Sparks Panic in the Global Tech Community

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IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🚀 Elon Musk unveils Colossus, the world’s most powerful AI supercomputer, as part of xAI’s ambitious expansion.
  • 🤝 Strategic partnerships with Dell Technologies and Super Micro Computer, along with $6 billion funding, fuel xAI’s growth.
  • 🔥 Colossus sparks environmental concerns in Memphis over its gas-powered turbines and regulatory compliance issues.
  • 🔧 Nvidia’s H100 and H200 chips power Colossus, marking a significant milestone in AI technology and industry advancement.

Elon Musk’s relentless pursuit of AI supremacy has taken a monumental step forward with the introduction of Colossus, a groundbreaking supercomputer. Boasting an astounding 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs, this AI powerhouse promises to redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence. As xAI, Musk’s brainchild, plans to enhance Colossus with an additional 100,000 GPUs, including the cutting-edge H200 chips, the stakes in the AI race have never been higher. This bold move is not merely a technological feat but a statement of intent, as Musk aims to outpace rivals such as OpenAI and Meta, cementing his place at the forefront of AI innovation.

The Birth of Colossus: A Supercomputer Like No Other

Launched in a mere four months, Colossus stands as a testament to the rapid advancements in AI technology spearheaded by Elon Musk and his team at xAI. Unlike other AI clusters, Colossus integrates its vast number of GPUs into a singular, cohesive system, allowing for unparalleled performance and efficiency. This supercomputer will serve as the training ground for xAI’s next-generation large language models (LLMs), including the upcoming Grok-3, which is poised to challenge OpenAI’s GPT-4 by December.

Elon Musk, ever the visionary, took to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to laud the efforts of his team and partners. “Excellent work by the team, Nvidia, and our many partners/suppliers,” Musk declared, highlighting the collaborative nature of this monumental achievement. The creation of Colossus is not just a milestone for xAI but a significant leap for the entire AI industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

AI Arms Race Accelerates: Dell and Nvidia Power ‘Doudna’—The US Supercomputer Designed to Dominate the Future of Intelligence

Partnerships and Power: Behind the Scenes of Colossus

Colossus’s creation was made possible through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Dell Technologies and Super Micro Computer. Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, expressed immense pride in contributing to this groundbreaking project. Furthermore, xAI’s financial prowess was bolstered by a substantial $6 billion Series B funding round, led by top investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, elevating its valuation to an impressive $24 billion.

However, the supercomputer’s immense power requirements have sparked controversy. Environmental advocates in Memphis, Tennessee, where Colossus is housed, have voiced concerns over the use of gas-powered turbines to meet its energy demands. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has accused xAI of operating without the necessary air permits, potentially exacerbating local air pollution. These allegations underscore the delicate balance between technological advancement and environmental responsibility.

“U.S. Intelligence on Red Alert”: China’s Quantum Processor Outpaces Supercomputers by 1 Quadrillion—Google’s Willow Now Under Siege

The Technical Edge: Nvidia’s Role in Colossus’s Supremacy

Nvidia’s cutting-edge technology is at the heart of Colossus’s impressive capabilities. The H100 and H200 chips, known for their exceptional memory and bandwidth performance, are instrumental in powering this AI behemoth. While Nvidia has recently unveiled its Blackwell chip, which surpasses the H200’s specifications, the H200 remains integral to Colossus’s architecture.

The AI community has reacted with enthusiasm to the launch of Colossus, viewing it as a pivotal moment in the industry’s evolution. Nvidia and industry luminaries like Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, have praised xAI’s groundbreaking achievement, recognizing Colossus as a significant milestone in AI development. This collaboration between xAI and Nvidia exemplifies the synergy between visionary leadership and cutting-edge technology, propelling the AI industry to new heights.

“We’re Going 1,000× Beyond the US”: Japan Unleashes Plan for Supercomputer So Powerful It Could Redefine Global Tech Dominance

Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Hurdles

Despite its technological marvel, Colossus has ignited environmental and regulatory concerns. The SELC’s allegations regarding the turbines’ operation without proper permits cast a spotlight on the environmental impact of such massive computing infrastructure. Elon Musk’s vision of AI dominance comes with a considerable environmental cost, emphasizing the need for sustainable energy solutions as AI systems scale.

Musk, an advocate for responsible AI development, supports legislative efforts like California’s Senate Bill 1047, which aims to regulate AI technologies. This stance, however, has sparked debates within the tech community, with some fearing that it could stifle innovation. As xAI navigates these challenges, the balance between technological progress and ethical responsibility continues to be a focal point in the AI discourse.

As xAI continues to expand Colossus, the potential for groundbreaking advancements in AI research and development is immense. This supercomputer is not just a technological marvel; it embodies Musk’s ambition to redefine AI capabilities and secure a leading position in the AI sector. However, navigating complex regulatory landscapes and addressing environmental concerns will be crucial in fully realizing Colossus’s potential. What role will ethical and sustainable practices play in the future of AI development?

This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.

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Kroger turns to AI for inventory security, experience boosts

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Dive Brief:

  • Kroger will continue investing in AI as tools enable better product visibility and productivity, leading to reduced inventory loss or shrink and improved talent retention, executives said during the grocer’s Q1 earnings call in June.  
  • “We’ve seen good progress [around shrink],” SVP and CFO David Kennerley said during the call. “What we really attribute this to is we’ve made some investments in some AI-enabled technology and deployed new processes around that technology.”
  • The company also launched a virtual AI assistant for its associates, which it partly credited for record levels of store and company retention during the quarter. “When our associates stay longer, they learn more, take on additional responsibilities and deliver a better customer experience, which leads to better sales,” said interim CEO Ron Sargent.

Dive Insight:

Kroger is doubling down on AI while keeping savings top of mind, joining a cost-conscious group of businesses making similar moves. 

The grocer will close 60 underperforming stores by the end of next year as it reassesses capital allocation and “aggressively” finds ways to reduce costs throughout the company, according to the earnings call. 

Kroger sees AI and other technologies as part of the solution, too. 

“The other thing that will also contribute towards better cost performance is what I call ways of working and process improvement,” Kennerley said. “There’s a lot of opportunity here to work smarter, more efficiently, more tech-enabled, and we’ve already got some good proof points on that.”

Excluding fuel, identical-store sales ticked up 3.2% during Q1 2025, which ended May 24, compared with the same period last year. Kroger characterizes a store as identical if it operates without expansion or relocation for five full quarters.

Kroger’s once-sought-after merger partner, Albertsons, has similarly sharpened its technology focus while eyeing cost-saving measures. 

“Our North Star is to use technology in everything that we do,” Albertsons CEO Susan Morris said during the company’s Q4 2024 earnings report in April.

As part of the strategy, the Idaho-headquartered grocer plans to increase AI use to enhance product quality and monitoring for freshness as it looks to drive higher sales and better customer experiences. 

The efforts also align with Albertsons’ three-year plan to cut $1.5 billion in costs that rolled out after the merger failed.



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