automation

About That Matt Shumer Post That Has Nearly 50 Million Views

Gary Marcus critiques Matt Shumer’s viral blog post with nearly 50 million views, calling it hype with misleading claims about AI’s coding capabilities. He argues that Shumer’s assertions lack data and ignore issues like error rates and user experiences. Marcus highlights five points of concern, including potential user burnout and security risks of AI-generated code, while cautioning against overconfidence in AI’s reliability. He concludes that despite some improvements, Shumer’s perspective is overly optimistic and unrealistic.

https://garymarcus.substack.com/p/about-that-matt-shumer-post-that

“Robots Instead of Chefs? Faster and More Precise: They Are an Aid to Business, Not a Threat.”

Jim Block’s CEO promotes automation in restaurants as a helpful ally, enhancing efficiency without losing human connection. Humanoid robots assist with repetitive tasks like frying and assembling food, allowing staff to focus on customer service. This collaboration aims for precision and speed while preserving the personal touch essential to hospitality. Thus, future quality fast food combines robotic efficiency with human warmth.

https://reportergourmet.com/en/news/9767-robots-instead-of-chefs-they-are-a-help-not-a-threat-jim-block-innovates-the-restaurant-industry

Something Big Is Happening

AI is rapidly advancing, transforming how work is done. Major breakthroughs, such as model GPT-5.3, have made AI increasingly competent in tasks that once needed human expertise. Many tech workers already feel AI’s impact, observing that it can outperform them in coding and other areas. This shift is not gradual; it’s accelerating, with predictions that AI can replace up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs within 1-5 years. The implications are vast, affecting fields like law, finance, writing, and customer service, as AI develops decision-making capabilities similar to human judgment. To adapt to these changes, individuals should actively engage with AI tools, understanding their potential and leveraging them to enhance productivity. Continuous learning and an openness to change are critical to thrive in this evolving landscape. The next few years will be crucial for those willing to embrace AI as it reshapes various industries.

https://shumer.dev/something-big-is-happening

Stop Managing Your AI ‘workforce’

AI adoption requires rethinking workflow architecture rather than framing agents as digital co-workers. Historical insights from Toyota show that integrating new capabilities necessitates reorganizing production systems to fully utilize their potential. As AI capabilities evolve, human roles will shift, necessitating dynamic management of human skill value and capability sensing. Leaders must view agentic systems as strategic investments, reframing their approach to organizational structure and competitive advantage.

https://www.kyndryl.com/us/en/institute/2026/01/ai-workforce

Redefining Talent Through human-AI Integration

The rise of AI and automation threatens traditional entry-level roles, which are crucial for developing leadership skills. Organizations must intentionally redesign early-career work to preserve and accelerate human capability development, integrating AI literacy with leadership fundamentals and creating opportunities for critical thinking and co-responsibility in AI system improvement.

https://www.ey.com/en_gl/megatrends/why-shared-intelligence-will-redefine-talent

McKinsey Starts Testing Job Candidates With AI Assistant

McKinsey is testing a new hiring method where candidates use the firm’s AI assistant, Lilli, during interviews. This pilot program evaluates candidates on their ability to engage with the AI while analyzing cases, aiming to reflect future consulting practices. If successful, this approach may standardize AI use in recruitment.

https://www.cio.com/article/4117688/mckinsey-begins-testing-candidates-with-an-ai-assistant.html

8 CIO Recommendations for ERP Implementation in 2026

Agentic AI is transforming ERP systems, enabling proactive, end-to-end business process management across finance, supply chain, manufacturing, HR, and customer service. CIOs should develop a clear business plan for agentic AI adoption, engage with ERP vendors, and establish frameworks for human-AI collaboration, risk mitigation, and governance. The focus should be on balancing incremental process optimization with transformative business reinvention, leveraging mature data and process foundations for a broader approach.

https://www.informationweek.com/software-platforms/8-cio-recommendations-for-erp-implementation-in-2026-think-agentic

Allianz Taps Anthropic to Empower Workforce and Automate Operations

Allianz partners with Anthropic to integrate AI into insurance operations, focusing on employee empowerment, automation, and compliance. Key initiatives include providing access to AI models, developing agents for insurance workflows, and establishing AI audit trails. This aims to enhance efficiency while ensuring transparency and regulatory adherence, amid workforce restructuring and training programs for skill development.

https://nationalcioreview.com/articles-insights/extra-bytes/allianz-taps-anthropic-to-empower-workforce-and-automate-operations/

AI Layoffs Are Looking More and More Like Corporate Fiction That’s Masking a Darker Reality, Oxford Economics Suggests

Oxford Economics suggests that AI layoffs are often used as a cover for routine headcount reductions, rather than a result of automation. Companies may be attributing job cuts to AI to present themselves as innovative and to appease investors, rather than admitting to business failures. Despite headlines, data show that AI-related job losses account for only a small share of total reported job losses.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ai-layoffs-looking-more-more-210954693.html

Companies Are Blaming AI for Layoffs. The Real Reason Will Piss You Off.

Companies falsely blame AI for layoffs; a study shows 95% of investments yield no ROI. Instead, firms are cutting jobs to rectify overhiring from COVID-19. Young workers face increased job losses, particularly in entry-level positions. To safeguard your career, document your achievements, learn AI tools for productivity, and recognize the difference between actual AI displacement and opportunistic layoffs labeled as “AI-driven.”

https://medium.com/@mattlar.jari/companies-are-blaming-ai-for-layoffs-the-real-reason-will-piss-you-off-149639ce47cf

The ‘Godfather of SaaS’ Says He Replaced Most of His Sales Team With AI Agents: ‘We’re Done With Hiring Humans’

SaaStr founder Jason Lemkin replaced most of his sales team with AI agents, aiming for enhanced productivity and efficiency after two high-paid human sales reps quit. His company now employs 20 AI agents, which autonomously handle tasks previously managed by humans, and plans to train them based on top human sales practices. While concerns about data security remain, Lemkin believes AI agents can outperform human workers in scalability and effectiveness.

https://www.businessinsider.com/godfather-of-saas-jason-lemkin-replace-humans-ai-agents-sales-2026-1

Utilities Turn to Physical AI to Accelerate Grid Modernization

Utilities are using robotics and AI to address workforce shortages, enhance operational efficiency, and improve inspection cycles without needing extensive manpower. Integrating robotics into existing ERP systems offers significant benefits such as increased task velocity, better data reliability, and improved safety. This approach helps meet rising demands while optimizing the workforce, reducing risk, and enhancing grid resilience.

https://erp.today/utilities-turn-to-physical-ai-to-accelerate-grid-modernization/

Manufacturing’s Future Is High Tech

Manufacturing is evolving into a high-tech industry driven by AI, automation, and sustainability, requiring new skills and perceptions. Experts advocate for educational reforms to align with modern needs, emphasizing hands-on training and career visibility to attract talent. The sector faces a talent shortage, demanding a workforce adept in technology and soft skills. By 2035, successful manufacturing will hinge on innovation, adaptability, and purpose-driven careers, reinforcing manufacturing’s role in economic strength.

https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2025/12/30/opinion-manufacturings-future-is-high-tech-and-the-workforce-must-adapt/97952/

Tech Trends 2026: How AI, Data and Security Are Reshaping Manufacturing

By 2026, manufacturers will increasingly adopt AI and automation to optimize operations, with over 40% upgrading production scheduling systems to AI. This shift will involve software-defined factories, AI-driven design, and federated data architectures, requiring manufacturers to address challenges like data unification and security concerns. Additionally, AI will reshape workforces through human-robot collaboration and personalized training, and enhance cybersecurity through AI-powered defenses.

https://biztechmagazine.com/article/2025/12/tech-trends-2026-how-ai-data-and-security-are-reshaping-manufacturing

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