Texas Law Makers Approach AI, Sam's Club Using AI and more | AITX Newsletter #17

Hello everyone! AITX Team here with more updates this week.

If you’re new here, welcome! 👋 At AITX, we aim to:

• Connect you with like-minded peers passionate about AI.

• Provide a space for sharing ideas and receiving feedback on AI projects you’re building.

• Share helpful tools and invaluable resources.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Austin AI Social Hour 🍸️ 

• When: Thursday, May 9 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST

• Where: Lazarus Brewing Co. 4803 Airport Blvd · Austin, TX

• What: The perfect spot to mingle with a friendly mix of people who share an interest in AI and its potential. Whether you're looking to share your latest project, seek feedback and advice, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind and make new connections in a relaxed, casual environment.

Artists & the Age of AI: May 2024 Meetup 🎨 

• When: Thursday, May 9 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM CST

• Where: 701 Brazos St 701 Brazos St · Austin, TX

• What: Connect with other artists, creatives, and technologists and stay updated on the latest developments in the arts and AI-tech space.

Hacky Hour @ Lustre Pearl East for Austin LangChain Users Group 🦜 

• When: Wednesday, May 15 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST

• Where: Lustre Pearl East 114 Linden St · Austin, TX

• What: Join us for a special Hacky Hour hosted by the Austin LangChain Enthusiasts Meetup Group! This casual gathering is the perfect opportunity for AI and LangChain enthusiasts to come together, hack on labs, and share knowledge in a relaxed environment.

Austin AI & ML Meetup Group - May Meetup 🤖 

• When: Wednesday, May 15 | 5:40 PM - 8:29 PM CST

• Where: 10900 Stonelake Blvd 10900 Stonelake Boulevard · Austin, TX

• What: We're a vibrant community dedicated to exploring the powerful capabilities of Microsoft Azure in the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Engineering.

AI Meetup (Oracle): AI, GenAI, LLMs and ML 🚋 

• When: Tuesday, May 14 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM CST

• Where: Oracle 2300 Oracle Wy · Austin, TX

• What: A monthly in-person AI meetup in Austin, in collaboration with Oracle. Join us for deep dive tech talks on AI, GenAI, LLMs and ML, food/drink, networking with speakers and fellow developers.

COMMUNITY STORIES

Texas Lawmakers Hold First Hearing on AI's Impact and Potential Risks

The Texas House Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies, consisting of five state representatives, held its first hearing on Monday to discuss the impact and potential risks of AI. The committee heard testimony from experts and the public on the integration of AI in everyday life and the associated security risks.

• The committee used AI script-writing and voice cloning technology for opening statements to demonstrate AI's capabilities.

• The goal is to provide necessary guardrails to ensure AI enhances lives while protecting values.

• The committee has a deadline of May 16 to submit its initial report.

Read more here.

Sam's Club Introduces AI-Powered Receipt Checking at Over 120 Stores Nationwide

Sam's Club, a subsidiary of Walmart, has implemented a new AI-powered camera system to scan customers' receipts at the door in more than 120 locations across the country. The technology, which was unveiled in January at CES 2024, aims to speed up the checkout process and improve the overall shopping experience for customers.

• After paying for their items at a register or through the Scan & Go mobile app, customers can leave the store through the AI-powered exit archways.

• The system captures images of the customer's cart and verifies that all items have been paid for.

• Todd Garner, the chief product officer for Sam's Club, stated that the goal is to provide a near friction-free shopping experience, especially when combined with the Scan & Go feature.

• The new exit experience was added based on club member feedback, and Sam's Club expects it to help customers leave the store 23% faster.

• The company plans to have the technology in all of its clubs by the end of 2024.

Read more here.

Mercator AI Launches AI-Powered Business Development Tool for Contractors in Austin

Mercator AI, a Canadian construction tech company, has announced its expansion into the United States, starting with the thriving Austin market. The company provides an AI-powered business development tool designed for mid-to-large-sized general contracting firms, which streamlines lead generation and relationship building by analyzing real-time data throughout the development process.

• Austin's dynamic construction landscape and tech-forward workforce make it an ideal starting point for Mercator AI's U.S. expansion.

• The AI tool provides actionable data intelligence and real-time updates on early projects and relationships, saving contractors weeks of groundwork and giving them a competitive edge.

• Chloe Smith, co-founder and CEO of Mercator AI, emphasized the potential for their product to force multiply lead generation and help contractors build the right relationships earlier in the development process.

• Mercator's AI streamlines front-office operations, saving an average of two hours daily on research and lead qualification.

• Following the Austin launch, the company plans to expand to other major Texas markets and eventually cover all major construction hubs in the United States over the next few years.

Read more here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

This week, we’d like to highlight Justin Bianchini, founder of Coachable AI.

He was kind enough to demo Coachable at our last meetup!

Coachable AI enhances sales team performance through AI-driven, personalized role-play simulations that provide immediate feedback and practical skills training.

This platform addresses the challenges of time constraints and performance pressure in sales environments by offering flexible, on-demand training.

Reach out to Justin here to connect.