How industries leverage AI
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a tool for digital transformation that is revolutionizing a wide range of industries. Keep reading to learn why companies are embracing AI.
By: Shelby Campbell, Edited by: Valerie Black
Last updated: June 4, 2025
More businesses than ever are using AI to streamline daily operations. According to the Stanford University AI Index report, 78% of organizations used AI in 2024, up from 55% in 2023. Explore how industry leaders are integrating AI into their organizations, and find an online AI course for your field on edX.
Why are companies embracing AI?
AI is a technology that simulates human learning and intelligence in computers and machines, enabling systems to learn, solve problems, and create. This technology can perform complex tasks — and often complete them quickly.
Companies are rapidly adopting AI to transform their operations, using it to automate repetitive tasks and optimize workflows. The technology has become so widespread that businesses that don't embrace AI fear falling behind their competitors.
5 ways industries leverage AI
The optimal ways for a business to use artificial intelligence vary by industry. Here are examples of specific ways AI is being used in different sectors.
1. Medical diagnostics and patient care
Some hospitals are using AI to make their patient care more responsive and efficient. It may be used to create patient scheduling and intake systems that can dramatically reduce how long patients have to wait for appointments and treatment.
AI is also being used in diagnostics to analyze medical data. For example, AI can be used to make diagnoses based on lab tests and medical imaging, which can help doctors create personal treatment plans for their patients more quickly and easily.
2. Customer service
In customer service, AI is often used for virtual agents. Virtual agents can answer customer questions and address their concerns.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a research study focusing on call centers showed that AI tools increased the number of successfully resolved customer issues by 14%. As a result, call center agents were able to decrease their response time, increase the volume of chats they respond to, and increase the number of resolved conversations.
3. Product development
Many industries are using AI throughout the product development process. AI technologies help generate product ideas and determine the most optimal features for products going into production.
AI systems trained on customer preferences can provide targeted feature suggestions for new products. Product designers can prompt AI agents to improve existing product designs and concepts while ensuring that products meet expected quality standards.
4. Customer segmentation
Customer segmentation is the process of categorizing customers by their demographics and characteristics. In marketing, AI is useful in the customer segmentation process because of its powerful data analysis capabilities.
AI can use algorithmic analysis to find data patterns that allow for customer segmentation. This information can support the implementation of targeted product creation and marketing campaigns.
5. Online education
Online education is another industry leveraging AI. Educators can use AI tools for repetitive tasks, such as answering routine communications and grading assignments. With online education, it's also easier to personalize learning for students.
For example, teachers can use specialized AI tools to personalize curriculum and methods to each student's learning style and pace. Educators can also use AI to analyze curriculum requirements and trends when planning lessons.
The future of AI in industries
Despite many innovations across industries, AI technology is still in its infancy. According to Stanford University's AI Index report, the number of patents for AI technologies grew nearly 25% globally between 2023 and 2024. But the growing presence of AI tools doesn't necessarily mean that AI proficiency is currently a top priority for employers.
In the 2024 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Corporate Recruiters Survey, recruiters ranked AI skills 21st out of 22 in current importance and fourth in the future. Instead, they listed problem-solving and strategic thinking as the most important skills for candidates now and in five years.
This research suggests that while technical AI expertise is gaining value, the ability to apply AI tools to real-world business challenges is likely to be more impactful than technical skills alone. As a result, employers increasingly see AI as an assistant that accomplishes menial tasks, allowing employees to funnel their time toward more engaging work that brings more value to a company.
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