10 Real-Life Examples of how AI is used in Business

The widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business has rapidly transformed it from a niche technology into a core component of modern corporate operations. AI is driving efficiency and innovation across various industries, leading to a growing demand for AI-powered solutions, including those designed for web application development. By 2024, AI has become deeply embedded in corporate strategies, as organizations seek to harness its capabilities to gain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Even though there are more than 10 examples of artificial intelligence in business, many businesses still struggle to utilize it fully. Only 26% of businesses possess the necessary skills to move beyond pilot projects and achieve real benefits from AI deployments, according to a 2024 analysis by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This suggests that while AI adoption is expanding, many firms continue to face challenges in scaling its value.

Artificial intelligence in business is more prevalent in sectors like fintech, software, and banking, which have undergone early digital disruption. These industries have leveraged AI to enhance customer satisfaction, streamline processes, and develop new product lines. AI-powered applications, for example, have revolutionized software development by enabling rapid prototyping and customized solutions.

There are a lot of examples of AI tools in real life. The software industry is evolving due to the proliferation of AI applications, particularly those powered by large language models (LLMs). AI-driven tools are transforming how developers build, optimize, and scale web applications by automating tasks like code generation, debugging, and performance optimization. Companies looking to leverage AI for web applications can explore various  AI tools for web app development to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows.

Beyond web development, AI-driven applications are rapidly reshaping software-driven businesses. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have seen unprecedented user adoption of their AI tools, while startups such as Cursor and Mercor have achieved high valuations and significant revenue growth. This surge in AI adoption highlights the increasing reliance on automation and intelligent systems in white-collar jobs, further demonstrating AI’s transformative impact on the software industry.

Along with 10 examples of artificial intelligence in real life, AI has significantly enhanced operational efficiency in the finance industry. For instance, JPMorgan reported that using an AI coding assistant increased software engineers’ productivity by up to 20%. This development highlights AI’s role in optimizing human resources and fostering innovation by allowing the bank to reallocate engineers to high-value initiatives, particularly in data and AI. You can read our article about 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now if you are interested in stocks that are most likely to benefit from the developments in AI.

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Despite the benefits of AI in business, obstacles remain in the successful integration of AI. Scaling AI solutions beyond initial proofs of concept remains a challenge for many businesses. According to the BCG survey, 74% of businesses have yet to achieve measurable results from their AI initiatives, often due to difficulties in expanding and incorporating AI into core business operations.

To overcome these challenges, organizations are prioritizing fundamental business transformations, making strategic investments in AI capabilities, and fostering a culture that embraces technological change. The focus is on aligning AI initiatives with business goals to ensure that technology drives value creation rather than functioning as a stand-alone solution.

The integration of AI into business remains a dynamic and evolving landscape, so there are more than 10 real-life examples of how AI is used in business. While significant progress has been made, though, many enterprises have yet to realize AI’s full potential. Beyond technological advancements, the future of AI adoption requires strategic alignment, cultural adaptation, and a strong commitment to delivering measurable business value.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, revolutionizing how businesses operate and make decisions. From automating repetitive tasks to providing deep data insights, AI-powered solutions are enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer experiences. Companies across various sectors—finance, healthcare, retail, and beyond—are leveraging AI to streamline processes, boost productivity, and drive innovation.

This article presents 10 real-life examples of how AI is used in business, compiled from various sources referenced throughout this piece. Each example highlights a specific application of AI and its impact on industry. Whether it’s predictive analytics in sales, AI-powered fraud detection in finance, or generative AI in content creation, these examples showcase the diverse ways AI is reshaping modern business operations.

From self-driving technology to customer service chatbots, AI is not only improving existing processes but also creating new opportunities for growth. By understanding how different industries are integrating AI, businesses can gain valuable insights into leveraging this technology for their own success. The following list provides a snapshot of AI’s real-world influence, demonstrating its potential to transform the future of work and commerce.

Energy Sector

Predictive solutions driven by AI are enhancing resilience and guaranteeing a steady supply of electricity by anticipating and reducing grid outages brought on by severe weather or cyberattacks.  The reason why using AI in the energy sector is on our list of 10 real-life examples of how AI is used in business is because AI is also reducing the impact of fluctuation in renewable energy generation and optimizing grid operations for cost-effectiveness.

Companies like Devon Energy and BP are leveraging AI to optimize drilling operations. AI-driven models used by BP accelerate and reduce the cost of oil production by identifying potential issues and guiding drill bits with greater precision. Similarly, Devon Energy has used machine learning models to increase drilling efficiency by 15%, highlighting AI’s role in modernizing traditional energy extraction methods.

Fast-Food Industry

The fast-food business, which is renowned for its quickness and speedy service, is using AI more and more to improve consumer satisfaction and operational effectiveness.  Fast food businesses are at the forefront of using cutting-edge technologies, from AI-driven order taking to predictive analytics for inventory management.  This article examines the state of artificial intelligence in fast food chains now, focuses on practical applications, and talks about potential future developments.

McDonald’s is implementing AI across 43,000 of its locations to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Innovations include AI-equipped drive-thru lanes, interconnected kitchen appliances, and predictive maintenance for equipment like ice cream machines. These advancements aim to reduce employee stress and improve service quality, reflecting AI’s growing impact on the fast-food industry.

Software Development

AI-powered applications, particularly those utilizing large language models (LLMs), are transforming software development. Gen AI turns concepts into requirements while working alongside human developers.  It then creates test cases, code, and documentation after transforming those requirements into user stories, which are concise summaries of software features written from the viewpoint of the end user.  This partnership expedites the development process and enhances the end product’s quality.

Companies like Cursor and Mercor have rapidly achieved high values and substantial revenue growth by offering AI-driven coding assistants. These tools boost developer productivity and streamline coding processes, demonstrating AI’s influence in the tech industry. It is the reason why we list this example on our list of 10 real-life examples of how AI is used in business.

Packaging Industry

From production to packaging to distribution, artificial intelligence (AI) has shown itself to be a dependable technology to direct this industry’s next evolution.  As people in this industry recognize 10 real-life examples of how AI is used in business, AI is widely used today in the packaging industry. The circular economy, sustainable consumer goods and services, and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly materials and paper-based packaging are some of the main factors pushing the packaging sector to adopt AI. Workflows and business processes can be improved in a matter of minutes rather than decades with artificial intelligence and its underlying technology, machine learning.  For instance, Aptargroup’s Fabio di Memmo and Monolith CEO Richard Ahlfeld discuss the benefits of Monolith’s no-code AI platform for packaging in the webinar that is available below. They also discuss how to speed up decision-making from month to minute.

Ranpak, a provider of eco-friendly packaging solutions, incorporates AI and automation to optimize warehouse efficiency. By deploying AI-driven packaging systems, the company enhances productivity while maintaining human oversight. This strategy illustrates how AI can complement human labor and lead to improved operational outcomes.

Automotive Industry

AI is transforming how we interact with cars, especially in self-driving technology so we cannot make a list of 10 real-life examples of how AI is used in business without mentioning the automotive industry. AI algorithms process data from lidar, cameras, and sensors to detect objects, navigate routes, and make driving decisions in real time. It also enhances safety features like automated brakes and adaptive cruise control. In-car AI assistants enable voice commands for climate, audio, and navigation, making driving smoother. Tesla’s Autopilot is a leading AI-powered system, using neural networks, cameras, and sensors for self-parking, traffic-aware cruise control, and autonomous lane changes. These innovations improve safety, convenience, and overall driving experience.

The BMW Group utilizes AI to optimize customer interactions through the MyBMW app. By analyzing vast amounts of data daily, the app connects millions of users to their vehicles, providing real-time updates and personalized experiences. This integration showcases AI’s role in enhancing consumer engagement within the automotive sector.

Retail Sector

Among the many difficulties that retailers face are the environment catastrophe, economic instability, and geopolitical upheaval.  AI provides a strategic perspective, cutting-edge data, and forecasts to help retailers quickly adjust to market fluctuations, even while traditional approaches may be losing ground.  According to Analytics Insight, 40% of retail executives currently employ intelligent automation technologies, and 80% of them anticipate their companies using them by 2025. However, stores cannot rely on artificial intelligence to fix problems on their own.  They must adopt a pragmatic strategy that concentrates on the aspects of their company where AI can make the biggest difference.

Companies like Trace One employ AI to automate the extraction of information in product lifecycle management. These businesses demonstrate AI’s potential to enhance accuracy and efficiency in retail operations by streamlining processes and improving data analysis.

Hospitality Industry

There are a lot of reasons why this industry is on our list of 10 real-life examples of how AI is used in business. AI enhances customer experience by providing faster responses, 24/7 support, and personalized solutions. A 2024 Zendesk study of 4,500 CX executives found that 70% plan to integrate generative AI into customer interactions within two years. AI improves self-service systems, enabling users to resolve issues via FAQs, guides, and interactive tools. AI-powered analytics analyze chatbot logs, emails, and reviews to provide insights into customer sentiment. Chatbots like CoSupport and DeepConverse use machine learning and natural language processing to offer real-time assistance, reducing wait times and directing complex issues to human agents, ultimately improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Hilton Hotels introduced “Connie,” an AI-powered robot concierge that provides guests with personalized recommendations and assistance. This innovation improves the guest experience by offering instant, tailored information, showcasing AI’s application in the hospitality sector.

E-commerce

Predictive analytics and AI-powered algorithms help sales teams automate processes and better understand customer behavior. According to Salesforce, 41% of sales firms have fully integrated AI, with 83% of AI-using teams reporting revenue growth. AI streamlines sales by automating tasks like data entry, forecasting demand, and identifying leads. AI tools, such as ChatGPT, personalize outbound emails, while AI-driven platforms like Seamless and LeadIQ update lead scores in real time.

By analyzing customer interactions and past sales patterns, AI helps prioritize prospects and optimize strategies, allowing sales teams to focus on high-value activities and improve overall efficiency. Amazon employs AI to optimize pricing strategies, manage inventory, and provide personalized product recommendations. These AI-driven approaches enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, emphasizing AI’s significance in the e-commerce industry.

Social Media

Using AI in social media is surely one of the most popular 10 real-life examples of how AI is used in business. To optimize content creation, businesses increasingly use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Jasper for writing, while DALL-E and Midjourney generate visuals. A 2024 Demand Spring poll shows 82% of B2B companies use AI for content generation, aiding in idea development, headline optimization, and drafting. AI enhances productivity, brainstorming, and analytics but isn’t ready for direct publication.

Marketers should treat AI content as a starting point, ensuring it aligns with brand guidelines through fact-checking and proofreading. While AI streamlines content marketing, human oversight remains essential for accuracy, originality, and brand consistency. Facebook utilizes AI to curate personalized news feeds, target advertisements, and detect harmful content. These applications enhance user engagement and platform safety, illustrating AI’s growing role in social media management.

Finance

AI is transforming the banking sector by boosting efficiency, preventing fraud, and improving decision-making.  Large financial data sets can be analyzed by AI algorithms to find trends and insights that people might overlook. Credit scoring algorithms that more properly evaluate risk are created using AI-powered technologies.  This gives underprivileged people access to loans.  High-frequency trading algorithms that execute deals at breakneck speed based on current market conditions are also being developed thanks to AI.

AI is transforming finance by detecting trends in big data, improving workflows, and preventing fraud. A Tipalti and CFO Dive poll found 59% of finance professionals prioritize AI training. AI enhances fraud detection by analyzing transactions in real time, alerting analysts to suspicious activity. It also automates compliance checks, reducing regulatory risks. AI-driven budgeting and forecasting analyze past performance and market trends to improve financial planning. Real-time data analysis tools, like Datarails and Planful Predict, help finance teams uncover insights, optimize risk assessment, and enhance decision-making, making AI an essential tool in the financial industry. All items on our list above show 10 real-life examples of how AI is used in business.