This week in tech, Walmart announced plans to test AI-powered electric forklifts in four of its distribution centers. With the goal of wider automation by 2026, the retail giant will be deploying 19 FoxBot Class 1 forklifts to handle heavy labor. This move towards automation in the warehouse space highlights the trend of businesses investing in autonomous vehicles to streamline operations. As the price of these technologies goes down, more businesses with warehouse or retail operations are likely to follow suit.
In support of National Small Business Week, HP Inc. is offering innovative tech solutions for small businesses. These offerings include an All-in-One plan for printing needs, an AI-powered laptop, and communication devices like wireless earbuds and speakerphones. This initiative by HP demonstrates the company’s commitment to empowering small businesses with technology that can enhance productivity and efficiency. Small business owners should take advantage of deals and promotions from tech companies during this week.
Ikea is taking a different approach to AI integration by focusing on employee engagement and training. The home goods retailer plans to train 3,500 employees in AI literacy to expand their capabilities and align with company priorities. Rather than replacing workers with automation, Ikea is investing in its workforce to embrace new technologies and enhance their skills. This strategy can help allay fears of AI while empowering employees to perform their jobs more effectively and efficiently.
Tech-founder Laticia Austin has launched iThinkContent, an AI-powered platform designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and their support teams. The platform offers a range of tools such as text and image generators, chatbots, an AI YouTube video creator, and an AI code generator to help professionals manage their digital content. With a focus on empowering entrepreneurs and streamlining content creation, iThinkContent provides a one-stop solution for all content creation needs. This platform showcases the potential of AI technology in supporting businesses and enhancing their online presence.
Forbes Advisor has released its list of the best plumbing software for 2024, offering solutions to manage scheduling, invoicing, inventory, and client information for small businesses. GorillaDesk is highlighted for its high rating among small businesses, while RazorSync is recognized for its streamlined scheduling features. Zuper Pro is recommended for efficient customer relationship management, and Sychostream is praised for its automation capabilities. Small business owners in the plumbing industry can benefit from exploring these software options to improve their operations and enhance customer service. It is essential for businesses to stay updated on the latest tech tools and software to remain competitive and efficient in their respective industries.
