This Week’s BIG thing

BYOAI: The Future of Work and Why AI Skills Are Non-Negotiable

Summary

Microsoft and LinkedIn's 2024 Work Trend Index highlights a major shift towards AI in the workplace. 75% of knowledge workers now use AI, with 78% bringing their own AI tools to work—an emerging trend known as BYOAI (Bring Your Own AI). The report also reveals that 71% of executives prefer hiring individuals with AI expertise, showing how essential these skills have become. This data points to the fast-growing integration of AI across industries, with a focus on improving productivity and reshaping how work is done.

Why You Should Care

For anyone in the  project delivery space, AI is no longer a distant buzzword. The fact that executives are prioritising AI expertise when hiring signals that AI isn’t just a tool—it’s becoming a core skill. In sectors like construction and energy, AI can optimise everything from project planning to resource management, enhancing efficiency. If you haven’t explored AI tools yet, now is the time to get ahead. The growing BYOAI trend suggests that the future of work will increasingly involve personalised AI solutions brought in by individual team members.

Rabbit Hole 🐰

Read the full Microsoft and LinkedIn Work Trend Index here. For a deeper dive into how BYOAI could be both a threat and an opportunity for businesses, Bernard Marr's LinkedIn article provides some key insights here. Additionally, explore ABC News’ take on AI's impact on job efficiency here.

What’s new: Tech

AI at a Premium: OpenAI’s $2,000/Month Models – Worth the Investment?

Summary

OpenAI is reportedly considering introducing new subscription tiers for its new advanced language models (codenamed Strawberry)  with prices reaching $2,000 per month. These premium models would offer more advanced features and greater access to cutting-edge AI technology, positioning them as essential tools for businesses seeking a competitive edge. The move reflects OpenAI’s focus on monetising its most powerful models for enterprise customers, offering enhanced performance for those willing to pay a premium.

Why You Should Care

OpenAI’s high-end subscription model could provide access to advanced capabilities that streamline everything from data analysis to project planning and resource management and if rumours are to be believed the new models could have Ph.D. level reasoning capabilities.  However, with the steep pricing, decision-makers will need to weigh the cost-benefit ratio and assess whether these enhanced AI models deliver enough value to justify the investment in productivity, accuracy, and speed. 

Rabbit Hole

Dive deeper into the details of OpenAI’s potential pricing strategy here. For a breakdown of the pricing model and its implications for various industries, explore the PYMNTS report here. This shift in pricing strategy signals a major change in how businesses may access AI’s most powerful tools in the future.

💙 Other tech news we’re loving

• _{Elon Musk’s xAI and LlaVa Groq: Elon Musk’s xAI builds Colossus, the world’s largest Nvidia-powered supercomputer, to train state-of-the-art models like Grok-3. Meanwhile, Groq introduces LlaVa v1.5-7B, a multimodal AI that enhances cloud-based AI performance for tasks requiring advanced processing.}

• _{Claude Enterprise: Anthropic launches Claude for Enterprise, offering businesses powerful AI tools for productivity and collaboration with enhanced data privacy.}

• _{SSI New Safety Focussed AI Startup: SSI, a safety-focused AI startup by OpenAI’s co-founder, raised $1B to develop advanced AI technologies with an emphasis on ethical applications.}

• _{Nvidia Stock Falls: Nvidia records its biggest single-day market value loss, highlighting volatility in the tech sector despite its dominance in AI hardware.}

• _{Gemini in Chrome: Google quietly integrates Gemini AI into Chrome’s address bar, offering users smarter, real-time web suggestions for enhanced browsing.}

• _{MidJourney Getting into Hardware: AI image-generation leader MidJourney announces plans to enter the hardware market, aiming to expand its capabilities beyond software solutions.}

• _{Elon Musk’s xAI Builds Colossus: Elon Musk’s xAI builds Colossus, the world’s largest Nvidia-powered supercomputer, designed to train advanced AI models like Grok-3.}

• _{Clearview AI Fined for Illegal Database: Clearview AI fined $337 million by Dutch authorities for illegally collecting facial recognition data, raising privacy concerns globally.}

What’s new: Projects

Physical AI Revolution: Robots Set to Redefine Project Delivery

 Summary

Physical AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that interact with the physical world through robots and smart machines. It’s about machines that can perceive, manipulate, and operate autonomously in real-world environments. Companies like 1X are pioneering this field, creating human-like robots designed for everyday tasks. The evolution of Physical AI has significant implications for industries such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure, where automation and human-machine collaboration can streamline operations and boost efficiency.

Why You Should Care

For those in project delivery realm, the rise of Physical AI marks a new era of automation and efficiency. Imagine robots that can perform repetitive tasks on construction sites, monitor safety, or even assist with surveying and inspections. This technology has the potential to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and free up human workers for more complex, decision-based activities. Project managers, engineers, and architects will need to adapt to a landscape where machines don’t just support tasks—they could be performing them, reshaping how we deliver projects.

Rabbit Hole

Explore a deep dive into Physical AI on BuiltWorlds here. To see how 1X is advancing the field with human-like robots, check out their work here. This shift is more than just a technological leap—it’s a revolution in how AI physically integrates into our working environments.

💙 Other Project news we’re loving

• _{Klarna AI: Klarna's AI Assistant handled two-thirds of customer service chats in its first month, showcasing AI's growing role in customer service automation.}

• _{Finance Jobs Face AI Threat: AI advancements threaten traditional roles in finance, with automation expected to reshape the workforce.}

• _{AI Predicts Earthquakes: Artificial intelligence is breaking new ground in predicting earthquakes with unprecedented accuracy, offering potential breakthroughs in disaster preparedness.}

• _{VW Rolls Out AI Assistant in Cars: Volkswagen is rolling out its ChatGPT-powered assistant in U.S. vehicles, enhancing in-car experiences with advanced AI.}
  

What’s new: Productivity

AI’s Hidden Agenda: Can Bots Manipulate Democracy?

Summary

Yuval Noah Harari warns that advanced AI systems like Chat GPT could manipulate human emotions and create fake intimate relationships, posing a threat to democracy. Harari argues that AI could exploit individuals, influence political opinions, and even incite dangerous actions. He advocates for banning bots that impersonate humans to safeguard democratic conversations and human rights, stressing the need for transparency in AI use across various sectors. 

Why You Should Care

The ethical use of AI is increasingly relevant. Whether managing large teams or interacting with stakeholders, understanding the potential of AI to influence human behaviour is crucial. As AI becomes embedded in everyday business and communications, ensuring transparency and mitigating manipulation are essential to protect project integrity and maintain trust within teams and clients. Leaders need to be aware of the risks as AI tools become part of workflows, especially in sensitive industries like infrastructure and construction.

Rabbit Hole

Explore Harari’s full argument in his original opinion piece here. This debate is becoming central to how AI will be ethically integrated into businesses. For further reading on AI's ethical challenges in politics and social interactions, dive deeper into the discussion  and how it could reshape future human interactions.

💙 Other productivity news we’re loving

• _{Google Ask Photo Feature: Google’s new AI-powered "Ask Photos" feature lets users ask questions about their pictures, providing relevant information and insights, now rolling out in the U.S.}

• _{Big Four Invest in AI: PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY are investing billions in AI and cloud technologies, partnering with Microsoft and OpenAI to create industry-specific solutions and upskill their workforce.}
  

Events

Win Tickets to Exclusive AI Event with Samsung in London
Samsung is hosting an exclusive AI event in London, offering attendees a chance to explore the latest innovations in AI technology. The event will take place on Thursday, 14th September 2024, from 6:30 PM.

Expect exciting demonstrations and discussions from industry experts. You can win a pair of tickets to attend by entering the competition via the link below. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in AI advancements.

Enter the competition and find more details here.

Project Flux Podcast

Podcast of the Week: AI in the Built Environment with Cecilia Lindström

In this week’s episode of Project Flux, we’re joined by Cecilia Lindström, Research Director at Future Places Studio. Cecilia discusses the findings of the "AI and the Built Environment" report by the London Property Alliance, exploring how AI is shaping construction and urban development. Key takeaways include the book-ending approach to problem-setting and verifying AI outcomes, where efficiency gains are likely in construction phases, and the importance of upskilling workers to integrate AI effectively. We also dive into AI's role in pooling data, cultural sensitivity, and how it can help streamline the planning process.

 🎧 Listen now: 

Meet Project Flux: About Us

At Project Flux, we're committed to pioneering the future of construction and project delivery through the lens of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence insights. Our vision is to be at the forefront of integrating AI into the fabric of project delivery, transforming how projects are conceptualised, planned, and executed.

Our Mission Project Flux aims to not only inform and educate but also to inspire professionals in the construction industry to embrace the transformative potential of AI. We believe in the power of AI to revolutionise project delivery, making it more efficient, predictive, and adaptable to the dynamic demands of the modern world.

What We Offer Through our insightful newsletters, podcasts and curated content on LinkedIn, and engaging discussions, Project Flux serves as a resource for professionals seeking to stay ahead in their field. We offer a blend of practical advice, thought leadership, and the latest developments in AI and construction technology.

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