Centric AI Unveiled: Retailers Save Up to 98% Time

Key Takeaways

• Centric Software launched Centric AI at NRF 2026, helping retailers save 90% to 98% of time on manual tasks.
• Users of Centric AI report gross margin improvements ranging from 2% to 5%.
• Alibaba Group led a $300 million investment in UniPat AI, valuing the company at $2.5 billion.
• SK Square announced a new AI-native strategy to support Korea's ICT industry growth.
• Tempus AI reported a 50% revenue increase in the first quarter of 2026.
• Ambarella achieved a 30% revenue rise in Q1 2026 through computer vision solutions.
• SoundHound AI grew revenue by 40% in the first quarter of 2026.
• Bank of America estimates the AI sector's market value at $436.3 billion.
• PayU launched Agent HQ, supporting over 4.5 lakh merchants in India.
• Research indicates 50% of search traffic is shifting toward AI agents.
• Doron Sivan warns that AI agents require strict security controls to prevent data leaks.

Centric Software launches Centric AI at NRF 2026

Centric Software is showcasing its new Centric AI platform at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show Europe from September 15 to 17, 2026, in Paris. This AI tool helps retail teams in fashion, luxury, and electronics make smarter decisions throughout the product lifecycle. Customers using Centric AI save 90% to 98% of time on manual tasks and see gross margin improvements of 2% to 5%. The platform includes features like Centric AI Companion and specialized agents that automate work such as creating bills of materials.

Centric AI automates retail decisions and saves time

Centric Software unveiled Centric AI to help retailers automate decisions from concept to commercialization at NRF 2026 in Paris. The platform integrates with existing tools like Centric PLM and Centric Planning & Pricing to speed up product development. Users report reclaiming 90% to 98% of time spent on manual work and achieving up to 5% gains in sell-through. Specialized agents can turn rough sketches into complete bills of materials in minutes.

Alibaba leads $300 million investment in UniPat AI

Alibaba Group is leading a $300 million investment in UniPat AI, a startup that uses artificial intelligence for manufacturing and logistics. This funding round values UniPat AI at $2.5 billion and is part of Alibaba's strategy to expand in the AI sector. UniPat AI's technology helps major corporations in automotive and aerospace industries improve efficiency. The investment will help the company scale its operations and develop new technologies.

Alibaba backs UniPat AI with $300 million funding

Alibaba Group is investing $300 million in UniPat AI to support its growth in the artificial intelligence market. The startup uses machine learning to analyze human behavior and provide personalized recommendations to customers. This deal could value UniPat AI at $2.5 billion and marks Alibaba's continued focus on emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing. Alibaba stated it believes UniPat AI can transform how businesses interact with customers.

SK Square adopts AI strategy to boost Korea ICT

SK Square, the investment arm of SK Group, announced a new AI-native strategy on September 8 to transform its investment approach. The company created a dedicated team to invest in startups and small businesses using AI technology. This move aims to support the growth of Korea's ICT industry by providing resources to promising companies. The new strategy allows SK Square to back a wider range of businesses focused on AI development.

BSA launches framework for AI security model access

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) launched a new program called Cybersecurity Professionals First on September 10, 2026. This framework gives qualified cybersecurity experts priority access to advanced frontier AI models designed for security. The BSA wants to help trusted defenders use these tools before they are available to the general public. To qualify, organizations must show they have a good safety record, the right skills, and a clear mission to help society. This approach aims to make the digital ecosystem safer by letting experts fix vulnerabilities early.

Five top AI stocks to watch for growth in 2026

MarketBeat identified five artificial intelligence stocks that investors should research closely. Tempus AI saw its revenue jump by 50% in the first quarter of 2026 while using machine learning for healthcare. Hut 8, a Canadian mining company, uses AI to lower costs and has seen strong returns on its investments. Ambarella reported a 30% revenue increase in the first quarter of 2026 by providing computer vision for cars and medical tools. SoundHound AI grew revenue by 40% in the same period by powering voice assistants and autonomous vehicles. Upstart also showed growth with a 20% revenue increase in the first quarter of 2026 by using AI to analyze credit for loans.

Bank of America says AI profits support the sector

Bank of America released new research stating that profit growth from artificial intelligence is strong enough to support the sector. The bank believes current excitement about AI stocks has not yet reached bubble territory. With a market value of about $436.3 billion, the bank is preparing its balance sheet for continued AI spending by clients. It recently issued fixed income notes with rates between 4.50% and 6.00% to lock in long-term funding. The bank expects digital engagement and AI efficiencies to help earnings power over time despite higher interest rates.

PayU launches Agent HQ to help small businesses use AI

PayU launched a new tool called Agent HQ to help small and mid-sized businesses in India use artificial intelligence. This platform lets merchants deploy AI agents to improve product discovery, automate operations, and drive sales without building systems from scratch. Industry research suggests that around 50 percent of search traffic is shifting toward AI agents, which can convert shoppers at up to three times higher rates. The tool is built into the PayU dashboard and supports over 4.5 lakh merchants who have processed transaction volumes of Rs 7,800 billion. Merchants can create custom conversational assistants and automate tasks like handling chargebacks and refunds using this new feature.

Security experts warn about risks of autonomous AI agents

Doron Sivan, CEO of MADSEC Security, stated that he has not seen an AI agent directly improve an organization's security posture yet. While AI agents can improve business processes, companies must use them in a controlled and thoughtful manner. MADSEC recommends following the NIST AI Risk Management Framework to identify agents and manage their permissions carefully. The company reviews every agent with IT and security managers before approval from an AI committee. A major concern is that employees creating these agents may lack the expertise to prevent them from leaking sensitive information or containing vulnerable code.

Sources

• Centric Software Unveils Centric AI to Power Smarter Product Decisions at NRF 2026
• Centric Software Unveils Centric Ai Platform for Product Lifecycle Decisions At Nrf 2026
• Alibaba Group to Lead $300 Million Investment in UniPat AI
• Alibaba Said to Lead $300 Million Investment in UniPat AI
• SK Square makes AI-native pivot to transform investment and boost Korea ICT ops
• BSA Launches Priority Access Framework for Frontier AI Security Models
• Top Artificial Intelligence Stocks To Research
• Bank Of America (BAC) Says AI Profit Growth Still Supports The Sector
• PayU launches Agent HQ to help SMBs build AI-powered commerce journeys
• “I have not seen an AI agent that has directly improved an organization's security posture”