Morning Brew stands out by providing daily, quick, and insightful updates on the business world, spanning from Wall St. to Silicon Valley. It showcases how various sectors are integrating artificial intelligence. Microplastics may be present in our food, yet AI is making significant inroads. Farms, restaurants, and grocery stores are increasingly adopting AI in their operations, blurring the lines between food and server farms. In the fields, farmers and ranchers are receiving government incentives to optimize their processes promptly. With the world population set to reach 10 billion by 2050 and a 70% increase in food demand, every efficiency counts. Crop-surveying drones, GPS tools, and hands-free combine steering are common food-raising AI technologies, with 87% of agricultural businesses already using some form by late 2021. Other recent innovations like driverless tractors and precision sensors can reduce herbicide spraying by up to two-thirds. John Deere has been integrating AI into equipment for decades. In September, the world's first large-scale indoor vertical berry farm opened in Virginia, where AI-driven growth analysis is expected to produce over 4 million pounds of strawberries annually. European scientists even developed an algorithm to interpret oinks to keep farm pigs happy.At fast-food/casual chains, Yum Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, is scaling voice-activated drive-thru tech, AI-enabled shift-scheduling, digital menu boards, and AI-based marketing. Chipotle recently invested in the Lumachain AI platform, and during the summer, Wendy's used Palantir AI tools to ensure sufficient Frosty supplies during its deal.In supermarket aisles, grocery companies like Albertsons and Family Dollar are enhancing their behind-the-scenes AI use for merchandise management and demand forecasts. On a concerning note, Kroger denied allegations from Congress that its new electronic shelf labels could lead to facial recognition-based surge pricing. Looking ahead, grocers plan to quadruple their AI spending by 2025, generating 3 billion in value, as reported by food industry groups.In conclusion, the integration of AI in different sectors is transforming the way we live and work, and its impact is set to grow in the coming years.
