Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sees computing power shortage

Key Takeaways

• Half of American employees use AI tools at work, but half also use them rarely or not at all, citing job displacement, ethics, and privacy concerns.
• Leaders are more frequent AI users, with 13% of workers reporting daily AI use in February.
• AI's high energy demand is causing a shortage of computing power, leading to rationing of services, as noted by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
• SoftBank established a new AI development unit in Japan, with investments from NEC, Honda, and Sony, to build domestic AI infrastructure.
• DARPA's CLARA program seeks proposals for verifiable and explainable AI systems, integrating machine learning and automated reasoning.
• Duncan Clark praised Anthropic's "Mythos AI" marketing as "genius" and described China's AI approach as pragmatic but with "blind faith."
• California middle schools are testing AI tools like Snorkl for personalized learning, though some teachers remain cautious due to potential errors.
• AI is transforming business, with dealerships urged to adopt it for sales and customer loyalty, and brands needing new strategies as AI sells to AI.
• AI tools can automate feedback but miss crucial human elements like empathy and context, which are vital for employee retention.
• Some workers, including attorney Elizabeth Bloch, have found AI tools prone to errors, such as "hallucinations" in legal research.

Many workers avoid AI despite its growing use, poll finds

A recent Gallup poll shows more American workers are trying artificial intelligence at work, but many are still hesitant. Some employees worry AI will take their jobs, while others prefer not to use it for ethical reasons or due to privacy concerns. About 3 in 10 workers frequently use AI, and many report it boosts their productivity. However, about half of U.S. employees use AI only once a year or not at all. Concerns about AI replacing jobs are also increasing among workers.

Leaders lead AI adoption at work, survey shows

A Gallup survey found that half of American employees now use AI tools at work, with leaders using them most frequently. In February, 13% of workers reported using AI daily, a slight increase from the previous month. Employees in leadership roles are more likely to use AI daily or several times a week compared to individual contributors. This trend is linked to how AI tools align with the tasks typically performed by leaders and managers. Concerns about job displacement due to AI and automation are also growing among workers.

Gallup poll: Many workers still skip AI at work

A new Gallup poll reveals that while more American workers are experimenting with artificial intelligence, a significant number remain skeptical. Many employees worry about AI replacing their jobs, while others avoid it due to ethical concerns, privacy worries, or a belief it isn't helpful. About 3 in 10 employees use AI frequently, reporting productivity gains. However, half of U.S. employees use AI only rarely or not at all. Some workers, like attorney Elizabeth Bloch, find AI tools prone to errors, while others feel unprepared to use them effectively.

Workers hesitant about AI despite workplace use increase

A Gallup poll indicates that while artificial intelligence use is growing in American workplaces, many employees are still choosing not to use it. Some workers express concerns about AI replacing their jobs, while others avoid it for ethical reasons, data privacy worries, or a belief it's not useful. About 30% of employees use AI frequently, often reporting increased productivity, especially those in management roles. However, half of all U.S. employees use AI tools only once a year or less. Attorney Elizabeth Bloch noted issues with AI 'hallucinations' in legal research, and some employees feel unprepared to use AI effectively.

SoftBank launches new AI development unit in Japan

SoftBank has established a new company in Japan focused on developing artificial intelligence (AI) domestically. NEC, Honda, and Sony are among the eight companies that have invested in this new unit. This initiative aims to build AI infrastructure within Japan. SoftBank is expanding its data center capabilities to support these AI systems.

AI's high energy use strains computing power availability

The massive energy demand from artificial intelligence is creating a shortage of computing power, forcing AI companies to ration services and frustrating users. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang noted a significant increase in demand for computing power, with supply struggling to keep up. This shortage affects the training and operation of large AI models, leading to rationing of AI services. The high energy consumption also raises environmental concerns. Solutions like more efficient AI algorithms and hardware are being explored, but the bottleneck is expected to continue.

DARPA seeks AI proposals for verifiable systems

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking proposals for its CLARA program to develop artificial intelligence (AI) systems that combine machine learning (ML) and automated reasoning (AR). The goal is to create AI systems that are highly verifiable and explainable. Proposals should focus on integrating ML and AR for scalable, reliable AI. The program includes research into high-assurance AI approaches and building software for interoperability. Submissions are due by April 17, 2026.

China's AI approach pragmatic but with tech 'blind faith'

Duncan Clark, chairman of BDA, described China's approach to artificial intelligence (AI) as pragmatic, yet also exhibiting a 'blind faith' in technology. He believes the concept of a sovereign AI independent of the US and China is unrealistic. Clark also praised Anthropic's marketing strategy for its Mythos AI model as 'genius marketing'.

Penn students share favorite AI tools

In a segment called 'Under the Tampons,' host Aaron Tokay asked Penn students about their favorite artificial intelligence (AI) tools and how they use them. The discussion highlights student perspectives on AI. This segment is part of an upcoming Tech Issue.

AI misses key human factors in employee retention

Artificial intelligence tools can automate feedback collection, but they miss crucial human elements like empathy and context. While AI can process data, it struggles to interpret subtle human signals such as body language or tone of voice. Employee retention depends on factors AI cannot measure, like purposeful work, real growth, and a positive environment. Leaders must use human judgment alongside AI to understand employee sentiment and foster loyalty.

Dealers should adopt AI for sales and customer loyalty

Car dealerships are urged to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and new strategies for loyalty-based sales. AI can improve efficiency, reduce staffing needs, and enhance customer service by speeding up processes like lead generation and service scheduling. While early AI adoption faced challenges with incomplete solutions, careful vendor selection and training are key. Integrating AI is essential for dealerships to stay competitive and build customer loyalty in a rapidly changing market.

California middle schools test AI in classrooms

California middle schools are becoming key sites for testing artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms, with tools like Snorkl providing instant feedback to students. Teacher Gregory Dharman uses Snorkl for math exit tickets, noting its ability to personalize learning but also its occasional errors. While some teachers like Dharman are integrating AI, others, like Matthew Helmenstine, are more cautious, blocking AI access initially. Educators are exploring how AI can be used effectively and responsibly in education, acknowledging its inevitable presence in students' futures.

AI selling to AI changes brand influence strategies

Artificial intelligence is now selling to AI, significantly shortening the customer decision-making process and challenging brands. AI assistants can handle research, make purchases, and manage appointments, making traditional marketing funnels less effective. Brands must now influence these AI intermediaries directly. To succeed, companies need unified first-party data, ethical data enrichment, and robust identity resolution across all customer touchpoints. Adapting organizational structures and governance is also crucial for AI readiness.

Sources

• As AI use increases at work, many employees still choose not to use it: Gallup poll
• Here's who's leading AI adoption in the work place
• As AI Use Increases at Work, Many Employees Still Choose Not to Use It: Gallup Poll
• As AI use increases at work, many employees still choose not to use it: Gallup poll
• Japan's SoftBank launches unit to develop homegrown AI
• AI Is Using So Much Energy That Computing Firepower Is Running Out
• DARPA seeks high-assurance artificial intelligence proposals under CLARA program
• China has a pragmatic approach to AI, but also a 'blind faith' towards technology: BDA
• Under the Tampons: What's Your Favorite AI and Why?
• The retention risk AI misses
• Dealers urged to embrace AI and evolving strategies for loyalty-based sales
• California middle schools are ground zero for testing AI in classrooms amid expansion
• When AI sells to AI, brands win on data and identity