Tools & Platforms

May AI Take Your Order, Please?

Published

1 month ago

August 3, 2025

Your AI BFF is never more than a telephone away, no dialing required, always ready to offer fashion tips, moral support (“No, you were SO not being extra!”) or dinner recipes.

Your AI boyfriend is only too happy to join you for a (virtual) candlelight dinner, and your teenager’s AI classmate can trim several hours off the time required to finish a term paper.

On the downside, the AI switchboard operator at your bank or internet provider probably isn’t going to provide more than minimal help or even pass your name and phone number to a live person, presuming it eventually connects you with one.

Which means you already have a taste of the skills and shortcomings on the tech’s resume as it spreads from white-collar jobs into industries like manufacturing, retail and fast food that have typically required hands-on labor from humans.

While C-suite executives in those businesses view AI as a cost-efficient way to pick up slack, reduce the safety risks of physically dangerous tasks and address labor shortages, experts told The Daily Upside, relying on the tech for such work comes with the same risk as any other deployment. Plus, the consumer-facing nature of some roles may make it a tougher sell.

“As with any technology, there are growing pains,” said Dmitry Zakharchenko, chief software officer of edge computing firm Blaize. “But the more a system performs in the field, the better it gets.”

Order Up

While you’re not likely to see robots taking the places of chefs and line cooks in five-star restaurants (yet), AI is quickly finding its way into food services, particularly at major fast food chains.

Coffee giant Starbucks launched “Green Dot Assist,” a generative AI-based “coffeehouse companion” intended to help baristas in real time, at 35 locations in June. The tech allows workers to ask questions, such as how to make certain drinks or fix in-store equipment, and receive natural language responses.

The Seattle-based chain, which is grappling with declining sales at US coffeehouses and says AI assistants will allow baristas more time to connect with customers, is only the latest to leverage the tech:

In February, Wendy’s announced that it would implement a voice-enabled AI order-taking assistant called FreshAI. CEO Kirk Tanner said the model would improve customer experience and “enable some labor efficiencies in our restaurants.”
Yum! Brands, the parent company of Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell, announced a partnership with Nvidia in March to build and deploy AI tools including order-taking agents and computer vision-powered drive-thrus.
McDonald’s started testing AI automated drive-thrus in March in partnership with IBM. Though it axed the program and IBM partnership in June, Chief Restaurant Officer Mason Smoot said, “there is an opportunity to explore voice-ordering solutions more broadly.”

The food service industry is often struggling to fill jobs, noted Fengmin Gong, co-founder and CEO of MetafoodX, a company that deploys AI in hospitality settings where many tasks can be not only tedious but also require both meticulousness and rapidity.

Automating “critical, mundane” tasks from food-temperature checks to rationing of ingredients and checkout can alleviate stress as well as prevent food waste, he said, especially when customers are mobbing cash registers and the car line for the drive-through encircles the building.

“The big challenge for food service is labor and food costs,” said Gong. “We can leverage AI and technology to automate things that are challenging for a human to keep up with, yet they are critical to efficient food-service operations. That’s really the crossover.”

In blue-collar industries like manufacturing and maintenance, the benefits may be even bigger, said Alex Hawkinson, founder and CEO of BrightAI, which helps critical infrastructure firms adopt the tech. Manufacturing alone is grappling with a widening labor shortage as fewer entry-level workers apply to replace retiring veterans, leaving as many as 2.1 million jobs unfilled by 2030, according to nonprofit research firm The Conference Board.

Manufacturing, like maintenance and pest control, often struggles with sky-high churn rates, he said. “You can’t keep a crew together.”

‘Brutal, Dirty, Dangerous’

AI has particular potential to shine in tasks that human workers simply don’t want to do, said Hawkinson, especially “brutal, dirty, dangerous and repetitive jobs” such as working with chemicals and waste, and roles with a “super-hard learning curve” in technical and repair fields.

For example, Hawkinson and his team created an AI-powered “fly light,” which automatically detects when certain dangerous species of bugs are somewhere where they shouldn’t be, like a food or pharmaceutical plant. Typically, the job would be handled by an inspector once a month, Hawkinson said, with someone in charge of identifying the different types of bugs that become stuck on glue boards around the facility.

“So far, what we see is it massively decreases risk,” said Hawkinson. “You’re not handling the poison, you’re not trying to crawl literally in the sewer pipe yourself. You’re having the tool do it for you, guided with your expertise.”

But as with any deployment of AI, there are hazards. AI tends to hallucinate, or make things up, when it hasn’t been properly trained to handle user queries. That can be especially dangerous when the tech is deployed to perform critical tasks.

“You don’t want it to hallucinate when you’re trying to fix an explosive valve on a compressor,” said Hawkinson.

In consumer contexts, AI’s data-collection and security flaws could also pose a risk, said Zakharchenko. If models are constantly collecting data — and can be manipulated to reveal that data when prompted just right — consumers may feel uncomfortable interacting with it, prompting them to ghost local establishments that use it.

Plus, Zakharchenko said, if AI creates additional friction for users, it likely won’t be received well. “If the interface is not polished, humans tend to reject it,” he explained.

Complementary Technology

So how can these businesses reduce their AI risks? The simple answer: Humans.

Despite the hype about AI-enabled job automation (and the reality), most hands-on fields will always need a human in the loop. The critical and often dangerous nature of much blue-collar work will always require live oversight, Hawkinson said.

Meanwhile, the personal touch valued by food service and retail customers requires human presence, said Gong, whether it’s to assuage customer concerns, smooth out AI interactions or course-correct machines when they make mistakes.

“Fundamentally, we cannot rule out human interaction; we cannot leave humans out of this loop,” said Gong. “Because, after all, it’s all experienced by us — by humans.”

In time, the more that AI systems work in any field, the better they will perform, said Zakharchenko. “That’s when the human-to-machine loop will become more trustful,” he said. “In a way, the technician is training the machine. They’re treating it as a trainee. They have to distrust it. That’s normal.”

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Tools & Platforms

CFOs must hone data interpretation skills in AI age, AuditBoard CEO says

Published

24 minutes ago

September 4, 2025

Grace Noto

Balancing growth against risk is nothing new to finance chiefs, but as CFOs look to navigate continuing economic uncertainty, alongside regulatory change, it’s a costly challenge that’s only grown more complex. The size of the governance, risk and compliance solutions market jumped over 14% to reach a valuation of $51.5 billion as of early 2025, as companies seek to hedge against regulatory and economic shifts as well as technology changes and risks, according to an April article by Securify.

In this environment, many finance chiefs are also being asked to cut down on costs amid ongoing pricing pressures, while at the same time, to find the space and resources needed to integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into their businesses.

That puts many finance chiefs in a bind: while “every CFO wants to leverage the savings associated with enhanced productivity through AI,” they also have to account for the risks that come alongside the technology — which are “enormous,” Raul Villar Jr., CEO of audit and compliance platform AuditBoard told CFO Dive.

Such risks include everything from false positives or “hallucinations” generated by AI tools, to fraud and cyberattacks utilizing the technology to unsafe practices by employees using the technology. As such, the “number one component of risk that CFOs are looking at today” surrounds where AI sits inside of their organization, Villar Jr. said in an interview.

Unraveling the AI risk tangle

Business and technology leaders have continued to shine a spotlight on AI’s potential, with many looking to tap the technology to help solve some of the challenges faced by continued economic headwinds. AI spending, especially on solutions like “agentic AI” tools that can perform tasks with little or no human supervision, has continued to jump in recent months, with a growing number of companies investing $10 million or more in the tool, CFO Dive previously reported.

In the face of all that attention, there’s “so much pressure for every CFO to be leveraging AI,” Villar Jr. said. If you’re a CFO at a public company, “it comes up on every public call. If you’re [in] a private company, your board is definitely asking you. It’s top of mind,” he said.

Villar Jr. has served as CEO for the Los Angeles, California-based AuditBoard — which offers audit and compliance software — since July of this year, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to the platform, he served as executive chair for business management software provider Simpro. Past roles also include a 21-year span at human resource software company APD, where he held a number of positions including serving as its SVP, sales, major account services.

As finance chiefs mull the potential return on investment of AI, however, the risks — and potential costs —associated with the technology are looming large in their minds as they seek to navigate a host of economic and regulatory challenges, including potential shifts to how AI itself is regulated.

That means CFOs have to strategically “pick their spots” when it comes to investing and integrating AI tools into their organizations, Villar Jr. said. To do so effectively, they don’t need to just understand AI capabilities and their associated risks, but the data that is being fed into the technology and the risks associated with those data sources, he said.

Keeping the focus on data

As AI becomes more commonplace inside of businesses, CFOs will face a twofold challenge: they will need to ensure the security of the data being fed into emerging AI tools, while also being able to quickly parse the insights they need from that data, he said.

“Protecting your data is critical, but turning data into insights is probably the most important thing a CFO has to learn to do because we’ve all gotten accustomed to a certain data layer…that [companies] report on,” he said.

As the technology matures, CFOs should approach their AI investment decisions similarly to how they approach headcount decisions: “It’s just another lever to pull from a productivity perspective, but each function is different and you’re going to have to pick winners and losers within your firm and test and manage quickly,” Villar Jr. said.

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Tools & Platforms

Trotter Overhead Door Becomes First Oklahoma Company to Implement AI-Powered Diagnostic Technology for Precision Garage Door Opener Installation Services

Published

1 hour ago

September 4, 2025

The Editors

Company vehicle and branding from Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home, representing their trusted garage and home solutions.

Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home, serving Oklahoma City since 1983, is the first in the state to use AI diagnostic technology for garage doors. The new system ensures precise, reliable opener installations by analyzing door specs, weight, and usage patterns.

Richardson, TX – Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home has announced the implementation of groundbreaking artificial intelligence diagnostic technology, positioning the company as Oklahoma’s first garage door service provider to integrate AI-powered precision systems into daily operations. This technological advancement represents a significant milestone for the family-owned business that has served the Oklahoma City metropolitan area since 1983.

The innovative AI system analyzes door specifications, weight distribution, and operational patterns to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This technology particularly benefits garage door opener installation projects by providing precise compatibility assessments and optimal configuration settings. This development comes as property owners increasingly seek reliable solutions for garage door repair services that minimize future maintenance requirements.

Revolutionary Technology Transforms Service Delivery

The new AI diagnostic platform utilizes advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms to evaluate garage door systems before service begins. This technology provides detailed assessments of mechanical components, electrical systems, and structural integrity, allowing technicians to identify potential issues before they become costly problems.

Property owners throughout the Oklahoma City area can now benefit from enhanced accuracy in service recommendations and installation procedures. The system’s diagnostic capabilities extend beyond standard visual inspections, offering comprehensive analysis that improves both safety and performance outcomes for overhead door installations in OKC.

Enhanced Safety Protocols Through Smart Technology

Safety remains paramount in all garage door operations, and the AI system introduces multiple layers of protection for both technicians and property owners. The technology continuously monitors installation processes, alerting technicians to potential safety hazards or installation irregularities in real-time.

The diagnostic system evaluates spring tension, cable integrity, and opener compatibility to prevent accidents and equipment failures. This proactive approach has already shown promising results in reducing service callbacks and improving customer satisfaction rates across garage door repair projects in OKC.

Family-Owned Innovation Meets Modern Technology

Despite embracing modern technology, Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home maintains its commitment to family values and personalized service. Jesse and Tina Trotter established the company with a vision of combining superior products with exceptional customer care, principles that continue to guide operations today.

The integration of AI technology enhances rather than replaces the human expertise that has made the company successful. Skilled technicians now have access to precise diagnostic information that enhances their ability to recommend appropriate solutions for each unique situation requiring overhead door services in Oklahoma City.

Comprehensive Service Platform Expansion

The AI diagnostic system supports the company’s full range of services, from routine maintenance to complex installations. Property owners can schedule comprehensive evaluations that provide detailed reports on the health of their garage door system, including recommended improvements and preventive maintenance schedules.

This technology particularly benefits commercial properties that require reliable access and security. The system’s ability to predict maintenance needs helps business owners avoid unexpected downtime and costly emergency repairs, making it a valuable tool for planning garage door repair in OKC.

Training and Certification Programs Launch

To support the new technology implementation, Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home has developed comprehensive training programs for all service technicians. These programs ensure consistent application of AI diagnostic procedures across all service calls and installations.

The training curriculum includes both the technical operation of the diagnostic equipment and the interpretation of data analytics. This investment in staff development reinforces the company’s commitment to maintaining service quality standards while adapting to technological innovations in overhead door solutions.

Future Impact on the Oklahoma Garage Door Industry

The implementation of AI diagnostic technology positions Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home at the forefront of industry innovation in Oklahoma. This advancement demonstrates how family-owned businesses can successfully integrate modern technology while preserving traditional values of quality and service.

The company’s 15,000-square-foot facility at 14000 North Santa Fe Avenue in Edmond now serves as a technology hub for garage door services throughout the region. Property owners can visit the showroom to experience the diagnostic technology firsthand and learn about available service options.

Industry analysts expect this technological advancement to influence service standards throughout the Oklahoma garage door market, potentially inspiring similar innovations among other service providers.

About Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home

Established in 1983 by Jesse and Tina Trotter, Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home has provided garage door solutions to the Oklahoma City metropolitan area for over four decades. The family-owned company operates from a 15,000-square-foot facility in Edmond, offering installation, repair, and maintenance services for both residential and commercial properties. The company maintains core values of integrity, quality, service, continuous learning, care, and excellence in all operations.

For more information about AI diagnostic services or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home at (405) 341-9601 or visit our showroom located at 14000 North Santa Fe Avenue, Edmond, Oklahoma.

Media Contact
Company Name: Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home
Contact Person: Nate
Email: Send Email
Phone: (405) 341-9601
Address:14000 North Santa Fe Ave.
City: Edmond
State: Oklahoma 73013
Country: United States
Website: https://www.trotteroverheaddoor.com/

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Tools & Platforms

Pistoia Alliance Announces Agentic AI Collaboration Initiative

Published

1 hour ago

September 4, 2025

Patrick Lavery

Doctor technology AI integrates big data analytics with clinical research, enabling precise treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs and genetic profiles. | Image Credit: © Suriyo – stock.adobe.com

At the European conference of the Pistoia Alliance, a global nonprofit, early in 2025, a theme emerged: that agentic artificial intelligence (AI) is viewed by life sciences professionals as potentially being among the most disruptive emerging technologies over the next two to three years (1). Agentic AI has the potential, according to the Pistoia Alliance, to accelerate multi-step processes, such as target prioritization and compound optimization, by joining together reasoning, tool use, and execution.

However, the Pistoia Alliance said in a Sept. 4, 2025 press release that surrendering full autonomy to AI creates a sort of “black box” that may undermine trust, capacity for reproducibility, and regulatory compliance (1). It is for those reasons—with the overarching mission of safely adopting agentic AI—that the nonprofit is establishing a new initiative bringing together experts from the pharmaceutical, technology, and biotech industries to help shape certain standards and protocols under which AI agents will be allowed to perform.

How will the initiative encourage responsible AI use?

With Genentech providing the initial seed funding for the project, the Pistoia Alliance said it is currently seeking both additional partners and funds (1). The nonprofit has stated strategic priorities to harness AI and expedite R&D and is calling upon an AI and machine learning (ML) community of experts to continue building support for the industry-wide responsible adoption of AI.

“Our members see agentic AI as one of the most impactful technologies set to change how they work and innovate, but they also recognize the risks if adoption happens without the right guardrails,” said Becky Upton, PhD, president of the Pistoia Alliance, in the press release (1). “The Alliance is uniquely positioned to lead this work, drawing on more than eight years’ experience in pre-competitive collaboration around AI, from benchmarking frameworks for large language models to a pharmacovigilance community focused on responsible AI deployment. We know that more expert minds focused on the same topic will advance the safe and successful use of AI technologies.”

What are priorities for the industry?

As part of a recent webinar, the Pistoia Alliance said it polled more than 100 pharma professionals, and the consensus top priority for pre-competitive collaboration was the creation of shared validation frameworks and metrics, for model robustness and bias (1). Shared frameworks urgently need to be established, according to the Pistoia Alliance, for the safe adoption of AI because when evidence must be validated, auditable agent workflows that are shaped by subject matter experts and reputable data sources are necessary for the production of reliable results.

“This initiative will address the common issues we all face in integrating AI developments into a cohesive ecosystem that improves output quality,” said Robert Gill, the Agentic AI program lead at the Pistoia Alliance, in the press release (1). “It will enable members to link standalone AI applications into a dynamic network and build workflows where multiple agents can reason, plan and act together. By becoming sponsors, organizations can act as first movers—shaping the standards, gaining early access to outputs, and ensuring they are at the forefront of the next wave of AI innovation in healthcare.”

Want to make your voice heard?

Pharmaceutical Technology® Group is asking its audience within the bio/pharmaceutical industry to share their experiences in a survey that seeks perspectives on new and rapidly evolving technologies as automation, advanced analytics, digital twins, and AI (2). The survey can be accessed directly at this link.