Microsoft Hires Energy Experts While Google Integrates Gemini AI

The global business landscape is navigating significant challenges, with geoeconomic confrontation, such as tariffs, identified as the top short-term risk by the World Economic Forum's 2026 Global Risks Report. Artificial intelligence also features prominently, ranking fifth among long-term concerns, with a WEF survey of 1,300 leaders confirming fears about trade wars and AI-related issues like job loss and inequality. Despite these risks, major tech companies are heavily investing in AI infrastructure. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are actively recruiting energy experts, with energy-related hiring increasing by 34% in 2024. Google alone added 340 energy hires since 2022, and Microsoft added 150, highlighting the substantial power demands of AI data centers. IHG Hotels & Resorts also appointed Wei Manfredi as Senior Vice President of AI and Architecture on January 14, 2026, signaling a strategic push into AI. New AI tools are rapidly emerging, such as "MechStyle," a generative AI system developed by MIT CSAIL researchers with Google, Stability AI, and Northeastern University. This tool helps 3D print durable, personalized items by ensuring structural integrity. Google has also integrated Gemini AI into its Search Trends Explore page, allowing users to easily compare up to eight related search terms and suggesting prompts for deeper analysis. The market for AI-powered humanoid robots is projected to surge from $2-3 billion to $40 billion by 2035, driven by investments in both software and hardware. AI is also finding applications in public safety, with Dublin, Ohio, installing AI-powered crosswalk lights on Brand Road and Coventry Woods Drive to detect pedestrians and enhance visibility. However, the rapid adoption of AI presents challenges. Law firms, for instance, face a potential "AI bubble" as they increase technology spending by nearly 11% in 2025, driven by generative AI tools. Businesses also grapple with new AI security risks, including data leakage and "shadow AI" usage, prompting companies like Witness AI to raise $58 million for solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Geoeconomic confrontation (tariffs) is the top short-term business risk, with AI ranking fifth among long-term risks, according to the WEF.
• The market for AI-powered humanoid robots is projected to grow from $2-3 billion to $40 billion by 2035.
• Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are significantly increasing energy expert hires (e.g., Google 340 since 2022, Microsoft 150 in 2024) to power AI data centers.
• Google integrated Gemini AI into its Search Trends Explore page to help users find and compare up to eight related search terms.
• MIT CSAIL, Google, and Stability AI developed "MechStyle," a generative AI tool for 3D printing durable, personalized items.
• IHG Hotels & Resorts appointed Wei Manfredi as SVP of AI and Architecture on January 14, 2026, to advance its AI strategy.
• US law firms face a potential "AI bubble" risk despite increasing technology spending by nearly 11% in 2025 due to generative AI.
• Businesses encounter new AI security risks, including data leakage and "shadow AI," with Witness AI raising $58 million for solutions.
• Dublin, Ohio, implemented an AI-powered lighting system at a crosswalk to detect pedestrians and improve safety.

Global Business Faces Risks From Tariffs and AI

The World Economic Forum's 2026 Global Risks Report highlights major concerns for businesses. Geoeconomic confrontation, like tariffs, is the top short-term risk for the next two years. The potential negative effects of artificial intelligence also rose significantly, now ranking fifth among long-term risks. Other worries include misinformation, societal polarization, and extreme weather over the next decade. WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi and Marsh CEO John Doyle commented on these challenges.

Davos Survey Reveals Fears of Trade Wars and AI

A new World Economic Forum survey shows global leaders worry about trade wars and AI. "Geoeconomic confrontation" is the top concern for businesses over the next two years, with 18% citing trade wars. Risks from artificial intelligence, such as job loss and inequality, jumped to fifth place among long-term worries. While environmental risks are less urgent in the short term, extreme weather remains a top concern for the next decade. The survey polled 1,300 leaders between August 12 and September 22.

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Law Firms Face AI Investment Risks

A new report from Thomson Reuters Institute and Georgetown Law warns US law firms about AI investments. While firms see strong profits, a potential AI bubble exists due to industry-wide spending. Firms that use AI strategically and show clear client value will succeed. Those adopting AI superficially to justify higher billing rates risk exposure if the bubble bursts. Law firms increased technology spending by nearly 11% in 2025, driven by generative AI tools.

Dublin Ohio Installs Smart Crosswalk Lights

Dublin, Ohio, installed a new AI-powered lighting system at a crosswalk on Brand Road and Coventry Woods Drive. This system uses artificial intelligence to detect pedestrians and shine a spotlight on them at night. Marc Dilsaver, the city's transportation program manager, said the location was chosen due to resident safety concerns. Resident Ron Moreau praised the new feature, which helps drivers see people better. The city will consider installing more systems in the future.

New AI Tool Makes Strong 3D Printed Items

MIT CSAIL researchers developed "MechStyle," a new generative AI tool that helps 3D print durable, personalized items. This system, created with Google, Stability AI, and Northeastern University, ensures that custom designs are physically strong enough for daily use. Users can upload a 3D model and use text or images to personalize it, like creating a cactus-shaped wall hook. The AI works with a simulation module to keep the design structurally sound before printing. This solves a problem where many AI-generated 3D models were not strong enough.

IHG Hires McDonald's VP for AI Strategy

IHG Hotels & Resorts appointed Wei Manfredi as its new Senior Vice President of AI and Architecture on January 14, 2026. Manfredi previously worked as Vice President of Global Technology at McDonald's. Her job is to improve IHG's technology and data systems and create strong partnerships with other tech companies. She will make sure IHG's use of artificial intelligence is new, safe, and works well. This move shows IHG is investing more in technology leadership to help its owners, guests, and teams.

Humanoid Robots Bring New AI Opportunities

A new report from January 14, 2026, discusses the rise of AI-powered humanoid robots. The market for these robots is expected to grow from $2-3 billion to $40 billion by 2035. This new wave of AI investment focuses on both software and hardware. The humanoid supply chain relies on "brains" for perception, "brawn" for movement, and "batteries" for power. Production costs have dropped significantly, making them more practical. Europe leads in making high-precision mechanical parts for these robots.

Businesses Face New AI Security Risks

Companies using AI agents like chatbots face new security challenges that could cost billions. These tools can accidentally leak sensitive data, break compliance rules, or be tricked by prompt injections. Many businesses also struggle with "shadow AI" usage, where employees use unauthorized AI tools. Witness AI recently raised $58 million to develop solutions for these problems. Experts warn that traditional cybersecurity methods may not protect against these new AI-specific threats.

Tech Giants Hire Energy Experts for AI

Big Tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are hiring many energy experts to power their AI ambitions. Access to energy is a major challenge for building large AI data centers. Energy-related hiring increased by 34% in 2024, with Microsoft adding 150 new hires and Google adding 340 since 2022. Some experts believe tech companies are becoming energy companies themselves. This trend creates strong competition for skilled workers in the energy sector.

Google Search Trends Now Use Gemini AI

Google has updated its Search Trends Explore page to use Gemini AI capabilities. This new feature helps journalists, creators, and researchers easily find and compare related search trends. The updated page automatically identifies and compares up to eight relevant search terms for a given topic. It also suggests Gemini prompts for deeper exploration. This change aims to make understanding search data simpler and more efficient.

Sources

• Tariffs and AI's downside pose top global risks for business, World Economic Forum says
• WEF Davos suvey shows world leaders fear trade wars, AI impacts
• Investment accountability: How travel brands are measuring AI ROI
• State of the US Legal Market 2026 analysis: Will the AI bubble burst? A crucial warning for law firms
• Dublin installs AI-powered crosswalk lighting system to improve pedestrian safety
• Generative AI tool helps 3D print personal items that sustain daily use
• IHG taps McDonald’s VP to guide artificial intelligence strategy
• AI gets physical: Innovation meets opportunity
• The multi-billion AI security problem enterprises can't ignore
• Big Tech is poaching energy talent to fuel its AI ambitions
• An easier way to explore Search trends with Gemini