Early October, OpenAI has raised a record $6.6 billion in the largest startup fundraising round in history. But because AI still feels largely confined to our mobile phones and computers, companies all around us are working to bring these innovations directly into our daily lives. In fact, AI is redefining the way we live, work and travel, and even what we wear and eat.
These innovations go beyond mere efficiency, but also improve our experiences and personalize our choices. From transforming air travel to reimagining health and nutrition, AI is making waves across industries. Here are five companies at the forefront of innovation, each using AI in new ways to reshape their industries and improve our lives.
A new era of automotive experience
In an unexpected convergence of music and technology, will.I.am’s FYI has partnered with Mercedes to bring AI to the automotive experience – and it’s not how you might think. After experiencing this new technology earlier this year, I was both surprised and excited by the new and creative application of this technology to the way we drive. (Disclosure: I’m good friends with will.I.am.)
This new partnership manages tailor-made in-car entertainment tailored to your preferences, creating unique musical arrangements and sounds based on the car’s movements and navigation. With more Americans than ever commuting in their cars, this seemingly subtle integration of AI into vehicles is poised for a clear mainstream trajectory. And it’s no surprise that will.I.am is at the forefront of this musical revolution, as he has been researching the field of AI for almost two decades.
The future of air travel
Considering that cars are getting the AI treatment, it only makes sense that air travel will get its own AI glow-up as well. Starting early, Qatar Airways is the first to jump into the AI revolution with its groundbreaking AI virtual human cabin crew.
Imagine boarding a flight where an AI-powered crew member greets you in your language, ready to assist you with your needs throughout the journey. This application not only personalizes the travel experience, but also streamlines operations and sets a new standard for customer service in aviation. This makes sense, as two-thirds of air travel customers already use AI for flight planning. This new launch is a likely next step for Qatar Airways, as the airline has been the world’s number one airline for eight years in a row. (Disclosure: Qatar Airways sponsored one of my flights.)
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Fashion reinvented
For years, personalized fashion was only an opportunity for the wealthy, but now Stitch Fix is leading the way in the fashion industry by using AI to provide personalized clothing recommendations. Using data analytics, the company curates collections tailored to individual tastes, making shopping a more customized experience.
While this is a fun and interesting development for the clothing purchasing experience, what is more compelling about this new form of technology is its ability to reduce fashion waste. Current estimates show that 92 million tons of unwanted clothing ends up in landfills every day. years and produce as much as 10 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions. By combining technology with creativity, StitchFix and other fashion startups have the opportunity to build a better shopping experience that is also better for the planet.
Personalized nutrition and athletics
With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, AI is taking the sports and fitness industry by storm. An emerging startup, Hexis AI, is making significant strides in the sports nutrition space with its innovative app tailored to athletes and active individuals. Recently, the company secured $1 million in pre-seed funding to enhance its platform, which uses AI algorithms to provide personalized meal plans and real-time nutrition recommendations.
By analyzing users’ nutritional habits, performance metrics and preferences, Hexis AI enables athletes to make informed nutritional choices that optimize their performance. With more and more research demonstrating the need for personalized nutrition, Hexis AI is well positioned to expand its capabilities and partner with some of the world’s largest fitness organizations, making it a key player in the future of personalized sports nutrition.
Protecting wildlife through technology
In perhaps its most crucial application, AI is now tackling critical environmental causes. An emerging startup, Wildbook, is transforming conservation by using AI to track and monitor animal populations in their natural habitat.
By using advanced algorithms to analyze images, the platform provides valuable data for researchers and conservationists, boosting efforts to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity. At a time when sustainability challenges are becoming increasingly urgent, the innovative use of AI in conservation illustrates how technology can play a crucial role in protecting our planet.
Conclusion
While these are just a few examples, these five companies demonstrate the profound impact of AI innovations on our lives and the world around us. From improving travel and personalizing health to revolutionizing fashion and protecting the environment, AI is driving positive change across industries. While most people still fear the transformation of AI, the future holds exciting possibilities for the way we live, work, and connect with each other.
