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News Plus 15 Sep 2024 - 12 min read

How are Australia's biggest companies using AI today? ASX reporting season reveals key use cases, sees Gen AI emerging as a new focus, flags training gaps, and key business risks

By Andrew Birmingham - Martech | Ecom |CX Editor

Australia's biggest companies are using AI to do everything from improving advertising targeting and generating news content to enhancing customer experiences in medical imaging and improving brand sustainability by cutting water and electricity costs according to their financial filings. Anyone involved in the preparation of a Board pack for an ASX 50 company understands how carefully curated the choices are about what to include. That's why the prominence of artificial intelligence - and increasingly generative AI - in the latest round of reports from Australia's largest listed businesses makes such interesting reading. Australia's Big Dogs see big gains in operational efficiency,  customer experience, cybersecurity, and productivity, and indeed many are already realising gains. And those advantages are found across the board, in banking, mining, retailing, health, and energy. The only sector holding back on the AI braggadocio was the telco sector. But there are also concerns about ethics and responsible AI, and a focus on equipping staff for the next wave of innovation.

What you need to know

  • An analysis of the annual reports, investor packs, and earnings calls of Australia’s 50 biggest public companies reveals efficiency, customer experience, and areas like cybersecurity are the primary focus of artificial intelligence (AI) investments.
  • Standouts include Commbank, BHP, Pro Medicus, Suncorp and Sonic Healthcare.
  • “Traditional” AI is also driving revenues and creating new business opportunities across different sectors.
  • It’s still early days for Generative AI but use cases are emerging, and in some industries, such as health, Australian companies are aiming to be world leaders in Gen AI innovation.
  • The Banking, Mining, Retail, Energy, and Health sectors are all spawning innovative use cases.
  • But AI has also identified a key new risk for the business – mostly the risk is missing out.
  • Staff training to maximise the value of AI is a key priority while ethics and responsible AI are rated highly.

We have also taken the lead in AI adoption across the group, with 10 use cases as a talk in pilots that leverage Gen AI to drive better customer and team experiences and deliver incremental productivity benefits. An example of this is Team Coach, which leverages AI to support our customer service agents in our Customer Hub to resolve issues more effectively for our customers.

Brad Banducci, outgoing CEO, Woolworths

Australia's biggest public companies are hunting for efficiency and productivity returns from artificial intelligence, with customer experience and cybersecurity also in keen focus. We reviewed the investor packs and annual reports, and when available, analyst briefings to identify areas of AI innovation.

A couple of points: We restricted ourselves to only reporting on AI initiatives that were specifically called out by the companies. This is not meant as a comprehensive overview of all AI investments. Instead, it's the ones they want investors to know about. We could also infer AI use from some of the commentaries, but again, unless the reference was explicit, we have kept it out.

There are some truly innovative examples. At BHP's Escondida processing plants, for instance, AI contributes significantly to resource conservation. Since fiscal year 2022, it has saved over three gigalitres of water and 118 gigawatt hours of energy. It's also driving stronger revenues and returns. In the healthcare sector, Sonic Healthcare, through an AI joint venture is improving radiology processes. Elsewhere, Pro Medicus predicts big improvements in the area of medical imaging and wants to be an AI world leader in its field.

But there are concerns alongside the tech take-up. Media companies that believe they have much to gain from AI also expressed concerns about issues such as IP theft, and at least one outside of the ASX 50 (but previously a member) worried about AI being used to power social media activities criticising it and its peers.

A commitment to responsible AI practices comes up repeatedly, as does the need to equip staff with the capabilities to take advantage of the AI opportunity.

Sectoral summary

  • Banking: Companies like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and NAB are utilising AI extensively for customer engagement and operational efficiency. CBA employs over 2,000 machine learning models to enhance customer interactions and identify potential scams, processing vast amounts of data daily. NAB is focusing on algorithms to match customers with suitable bankers, showcasing an emphasis on personalised services. Both are big users of AI-driven decisioning systems.
  • Mining and Resource Management: BHP has adopted AI to optimise resource conservation, discover new mining sites, and improve operational efficiencies at processing plants. Such applications demonstrate AI's role in enhancing sustainability in resource-intensive industries.
  • Retail Sector: Companies like Coles and Woolworths are implementing AI for inventory management, supply chain efficiencies, and personalised customer experiences. This highlights AI's importance in enhancing operational workflows and customer interactions in retail.
  • Healthcare:. Sonic Healthcare and Pro Medicus are at the forefront of integrating AI in medical imaging and pathology, with significant investments in joint ventures aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Many companies have established dedicated programs, such as CBA's Gen.ai Studio and Woolworths' wiqLABS, to accelerate AI adoption and innovation reflecting a strategic commitment to integrating AI as a core competency within their operations.

Australian companies are also increasingly using AI to enhance customer experiences. For instance, Westpac's SaferPay system leverages AI to protect customers from scams, while Xero's integration of generative AI in its accounting services aims to streamline user interactions. This trend indicates a broader recognition of the value of personalised and secure customer engagement.

We enhanced our master data management system and partnered with a leading global AI provided to drive operational improvement, including further optimising rostering and enabling more team members to receive their desired hours in liquour.

Coles CEO, Leah Weckert

Commonwealth Bank

Market Cap: $238bn

ASX Rank: 1

Commbank has a long history of investment in predictive AI through its decisioning infrastructure, and AI initiatives are extensive. The bank's Customer Engagement Engine (CEE), launched in 2015, now incorporates 300 machine-learning models to support personalised customer interactions. In total, CBA utilises over 2,000 machine learning models, processing more than 157 billion data points. 

AI is also deployed in areas such as customer experience and security at CBA. The bank screens over 75 million interactions daily to identify potential scams, while AI drives 25 million personalised offers through the CommBank Yello in-app feature. The technology has also improved feature discoverability in Commbank's app by 66%, and AI also helps 1.4 million customers monthly to predict and manage their expenses, according to investor pack. 

CommBank is now striking out into generative AI and has established a Gen.AI Studio, which brings about 100 Large Language Models into a controlled environment. It has already deployed its first Generative AI use case and says it has reduced by a factor of 100, the time taken to generate a complaints acknowledgment letter. Employee education is also high on the agenda, with continued scaling of AI training across the Group. The bank says efforts have earned it recognition as #1 in AI maturity in the Asia-Pacific region and #6 globally.

BHP

Market Cap: $196.9bn

ASX Rank: 2

BHP, a global leader in the mining sector, is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and drive sustainability. With large-scale processes and access to vast amounts of data, BHP claims it's well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunities AI presents. At its Escondida processing plants, AI has significantly contributed to resource conservation. Since fiscal year 2022, the implementation of AI technology has resulted in savings of over three gigalitres of water and 118-gigawatt hours of energy. 

Also at the Escondida site, a digital tool powered by AI has demonstrated its ability to directly impact revenue. In the fiscal year 2024, this tool improved blasting pattern design, which in turn mitigated coarse ore restrictions at the SAG mills. As a result, BHP saw an impressive revenue increase of US$18.9 million, showcasing how AI can optimise processes and enhance financial performance.

Moreover, machine learning also plays a pivotal role in the discovery of new copper deposits in both Australia and the United States. It does this by harnessing the power of data to identify potential mining sites, making the search for valuable resources more efficient and targeted.

The annual also report noted: "Next-generation improvements to the Process Area Set Point Optimisation (PASPO) were rolled out across BMA sites in FY2024 to increase production of on-specification steelmaking coal, increasing revenue by US$15.5 million. For example, the Caval Ridge team identified an opportunity to increase yield by reducing density variation while keeping train product ash on specification."

CSL

Market Cap: $146bn

ASX Rank: 3

Global biotechnology company CSL uses AI to enhance productivity and business operations. According to CSL’s internal reports, the company is focusing AI initiatives on three key areas: Productivity gains, reducing repetitive tasks for employees, and machine learning to address adversarial tactics. 

One of the most significant Gen AI implementations at CSL is the development of an accelerator aimed at exploring opportunities across various tiers. This AI-powered initiative focuses on improving efficiency by helping employees cut down on time-consuming, repetitive tasks​. AI tools are being prioritised to ensure that these technologies are not only scalable but also user-friendly, making it easier for employees to integrate them into their daily workflows

CSL is also employing machine learning to bolster its cybersecurity measures. The company uses machine learning algorithms to identify and neutralise adversarial tactics, adding a layer of defense against emerging threats​.

NAB

Market Cap: $119.3bn

ASX Rank: 4

In its half-year report, NAB said it's leveraging the power of AI in several innovative ways.

One of the standout applications of AI involves using advanced algorithms to automatically match customers with the bankers best suited to meet their needs. This process not only streamlines the customer experience but also opens up new avenues for acquisition and retention by tapping into customer activity data. By analysing patterns and preferences, NAB can provide tailored services that resonate with individual customers, thereby fostering stronger relationships. Additionally, NAB is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive Customer Brain and Generative AI through the development of a new platform. 

Westpac

Market Cap: $111.4bn

ASX Rank: 5

References to AI in Westpac's investment packs this year highlight its potential for improving for customer financial safety, with SaferPay system offered as an example. SaferPay uses AI to alert customers about potential scams by presenting additional verification questions for new payments identified as having a high risk of being fraudulent. 

The bank also notes risks from AI to its own business, saying, "We continue to work on enhancing our systems and processes to mitigate risks that may be amplified by AI and collaborating with industry and government to shape the development of AI regulation."

Among the risks it flags with AI it include; lack of transparency, inaccurate data input, risk of unintentional bias or inaccurate outputs, privacy and confidentiality breaches, and inaccurate decisions with unintended consequences."

Macquarie Group

Market Cap: $86.4bn

ASX Rank: 8

Macquarie Group said it's making significant strides in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity and improve client experiences. The company has committed to investing in generative AI technologies, aiming to unlock productivity and enhance creativity among its workforce. In fiscal year 2024, Macquarie piloted various generative AI products and began rolling out enterprise tools designed to assist staff with everyday activities. 

In addition to generative AI, Macquarie is utilising artificial intelligence in the realm of safety. Through its partnership with Forwood, the bank has implemented AI and video analytics to monitor safe behaviours and conditions across more than 800 sites globally. 

Wesfarmers

Rank: 9

Market Cap: $80bn

Wesfarmers, one of Australia's largest companies, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) across several areas to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and boost productivity. The company focuses on integrating AI into various divisions to streamline processes, enhance safety, and drive innovation.

One key area where AI is being deployed is in cybersecurity. Wesfarmers has implemented AI-driven monitoring capabilities to detect and prevent cybersecurity threats, digital fraud, and scams. This helps safeguard the company's extensive customer base and business operations by identifying risks before they can cause harm. Moreover, the company is focused on ensuring the secure and appropriate use of generative AI technologies to maintain trust while pursuing innovation in customer experience, product development, and operational efficiency.

Wesfarmers noted, "We also continued to monitor emerging local and international practice to support the safe and secure use of AI technologies and innovation that drives customer experience, product development, and operational efficiency. In this context, we have enhanced technology-related governance to include the appropriate use of generative AI, new cyber security awareness programs, security architecture frameworks and patterns, and share best practices

And a last note, Officeworks expects to make some nice coin selling Gen AI PCs, a category it has entered it said, "to meet changing customer needs."

Block

Market Cap: $54.5bn

ASX Rank: 12

Block, the owner of Afterpay, sees AI as a driver of productivity across sales, marketing, customer service, and engineering efforts. The company said the use of AI is not just a trend but a strategic focus that aims to empower sellers to grow their businesses effectively. Generative AI also plays a significant role in Block's technology strategy, however, the company highlighted the associated risks, particularly concerning the unintentional or unauthorised disclosure of intellectual property rights. Machine learning meanwhile, is used to automate risk assessment for transactions within the Square ecosystem, a process that involves capturing and analysing billions of transactions annually. It is also used to enhance product features and customer service, adapting to the unique operations of sellers while identifying fraud patterns.

Telstra

Market Cap: $45.7bn

ASX Rank: 14

In the rapidly evolving landscape of telecommunications, Telstra said it's strategically harnessing the power of AI to enhance its operations and drive growth. The telco said expected productivity gains in the medium term. The company has set ambitious goals, aiming to improve 100 per cent of its key business processes using AI by the fiscal year 2025, and said it's about two-thirds of the way there already.

Telstra said its commitment to AI is evident in its initiatives to enhance key business operations. The company is focused on creating reusable AI products designed to streamline various aspects of its service delivery. Additionally, Telstra has established a Data & AI Academy, which is intended to equip frontline teams with the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage AI effectively.

The push towards AI is closely tied to Telstra's infrastructure growth ambitions, with technology playing a pivotal role in the company's vision for a connected future. On the operational front, there is a concerted effort to drive AI processing, particularly as it relates to edge computing, further highlighting the company's innovative approach.

Woolworths

Market Cap: $42bn

ASX Rank: 18

Woolworths Group is increasingly embracing AI as a transformative technology to enhance its operations within the retail sector. According to its latest Annual Report, the company is leveraging AI to improve decision-making processes and optimise internal workflows. This strategic integration of AI is evident in the deployment of several use cases throughout the Group, showcasing a commitment to innovation and efficiency, according to the company

Woolworths exiting CEO Brad Banducci told investors,  "We have also taken the lead in AI adoption across the group, with 10 use cases as a talk in pilots are rolled out that leverage Gen AI to drive better customer and team experiences as well as of course, deliver incremental productivity benefits. An example of this is Team Coach, which leverages AI to support our customer service agents in our Customer Hub  to resolve issues more effectively for our customers."

He also told investors to expect to see an acceleration in Woolworths use of generative AI.

To further bolster its AI capabilities, Woolworths has established wiqLABS (Wiq is the JV with Quantium), a dedicated initiative aimed at deepening its expertise and accelerating the adoption of AI technologies. 

REA Group

Market Cap: $26.3bn

ASX Rank: 21

REA Group is making significant strides in the realm of AI to enhance the property search experience for consumers. The company's recent report highlights several innovative applications of AI and machine learning that are revolutionising how users interact with real estate.

One of the standout features introduced is an "AI-powered home styling tool," which assists consumers in digitally renovating their properties. This tool allows users to visualise potential changes and improvements, making the home renovation process more accessible and personalised.

Additionally, the report emphasised REA Group's commitment to leveraging "innovative AI technology" to deliver a "highly personalised property search experience". This approach aims to tailor the property search process to individual preferences, ensuring that users find listings that closely match their needs.

Beyond enhancing the user experience, REA Group is also integrating AI capabilities within PropTrack, a platform designed to create unique customer products and services. This integration is expected to drive efficiency and innovation in how the company serves its clients. Moreover, the report noted the use of "advanced AI and machine learning technology" to improve efficiencies for banking customers, showcasing REA Group's broader commitment to applying these technologies across different facets of its operations.

Our landmark agreement with OpenAI is not only expected to be lucrative, but will enable us to work closely with a trusted, pre-eminent partner to fashion a future for professional journalism and for provenance. Meanwhile, we have begun to take legal steps against AI aggressors, the egregious aggregators, who are predatory in the
confiscation of our content. ‘Open source’ can never be a justification for ‘open slather'.

News Corp CEO Robert Thomson

Brambles

Market Cap: $25.72bn

ASX Rank: 22

According to its annual report, Brambles is not just dabbling in AI; the group is embedding it into core strategies to manage risks and improve capabilities. One of the primary applications of AI at Brambles is around enhancing customer experience. By integrating AI technologies, the company said it aims to streamline interactions and provide tailored services that meet the evolving needs of its clients. This initiative is part of a broader digital transformation strategy that Brambles has adopted, which encompasses leveraging advanced analytics and AI to boost overall business efficiency. 

Moreover, Brambles is focusing on data analytics as a core competency, recognising its vital link to AI applications. By honing its data analytics capabilities, the company aims to itself to better interpret and utilise data, ultimately driving smarter decision-making and operational improvements.

The company has also developed a cross-functional AI and Gen AI Centre of Excellence, "...to enable responsible and risk-informed use of AI and Gen AI, and to comply with relevant legislation and regulation such as the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act."

Coles

Market Cap: $25.5bn

ASX Rank: 23

Operational efficiency and customer experience are key AI focuses at Coles. As detailed in the supermarket's recent full-year results, AI is playing a key role in various aspects of Coles' business, from improving inventory management to enhancing customer interactions. One significant use of AI at Coles is in operational improvements, particularly in rostering, to help ensure team members receive their preferred working hours.

According to CEO Leah Eckert, "We enhanced our master data management system and partnered with a leading global AI provided to drive operational improvement, including further optimizing rostering and enabling more team members to receive their desired hours in liquor." 

Coles is also utilising AI-driven technologies to enhance its store operations. AI-powered computer vision solutions are being rapidly deployed across stores, supported by an intelligent edge backbone. This enables technologies like "Skip Scan" and "Smart Gates" to be used in 546 and 326 stores respectively, which help reduce losses by detecting potential theft or scanning issues. 

Additionally, AI is driving the automation of Coles' supply chain. The company has completed construction of Customer Fulfillment Centers (CFCs) in Victoria and New South Wales, which incorporate AI to enhance home delivery services and expand network capacity. In the eCommerce space, AI is helping Coles personalise the customer experience. New digital features have been introduced, including a membership subscription service and the ability to receive digital receipts and shareable shopping lists. AI also supports "Shop Similar" and "Bought Before" features, which streamline the shopping process by suggesting relevant products based on past purchases

News Corp

Market Cap: $23.3bn

ASX Rank: 26

News Corp sees AI as a way to thrive and innovate within the changing landscape of journalism and content creation. Recently, the company's CEO announced a landmark partnership with OpenAI, which is expected to be a lucrative collaboration aimed at shaping the future of professional journalism and enhancing content provenance. The partnership underscores News Corp's commitment to integrating AI technologies into its operations and content production processes, according to the company. 

Additionally, News Corp is taking proactive legal measures against what it terms "egregious aggregators."

These are entities that utilise News Corp's content in ways that the company deems predatory. The CEO emphasised the justification of "open source" does not excuse these actions, indicating a robust stance on protecting the company’s intellectual property in an AI-driven environment.

Suncorp

Market Cap: $22.9bn

ASX Rank: 28

Suncorp is actively adopting generative AI, which is influencing its investment decisions and reshaping the way it operates in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. One of the key initiatives at Suncorp is the AI+U program, designed to engage employees in the company's AI journey. This program provides staff with opportunities for knowledge acquisition and collaboration, fostering a culture of innovation and AI fluency within the organisation.

According to the annual report, "Almost 2000 of our people signed up for our AI+U virtual conference, which showcased the ways we are already using Gen AI to solve customer-centred problems and provide a skills uplift. It featured sessions with companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and CSIRO. In addition, more than 420 employees participated in the AI+U Hackathon, which created opportunities to ideate and develop Gen AI ideas in our internal testing environment."

In addition, "More than 160 of our leaders and decision-makers participated in a learning program delivered in partnership with the University of Sydney. The course covered how AI functions, its relationship with data, opportunities and risks, and considerations for developing AI strategy within Suncorp."

Suncorp has also taken steps to ensure the responsible use and governance of AI, participating in various programs and training to address these important issues. Suncorp's focus on AI extends to its customer service, where AI-driven projects are being implemented to assist customers in finding the right insurance coverage and understanding their Product Disclosure Statements. In addition to these initiatives, Suncorp is leveraging machine learning technologies to improve its operations. 

Xero

Market Cap: $22bn

ASX Rank: 30

Xero is integrating AI across multiple facets of its platform, focusing on both traditional machine learning and cutting-edge generative AI technologies. One of Xero's key AI implementations is in bank reconciliation, where enhanced AI-powered predictions aim to reduce manual reconciliations for users. 

The company is also leveraging AI to help small businesses and partners automate repetitive tasks and deliver insights. In a notable development, Xero has announced "Just Ask Xero" (JAX), a generative AI-powered smart business companion designed to assist small businesses and their advisors with accounting-related tasks. This move into generative AI extends to customer support, where Xero has launched a generative AI chatbot in Xero Central to help customers find information more quickly and accurately. The company is also applying AI to improve the onboarding experience for new customers, demonstrating the company's commitment to using AI throughout the customer journey. While embracing these technological advancements, Xero emphasised responsible use and governance in its AI initiatives, adding its approach reflects a balance between innovation and ethical considerations in AI deployment.

According to the company, "We continue to carefully consider how we use Gen AI as a technology both for customers and internally."

IAG

Market Cap: $18.4bn

ASX Rank: 34

IAG has integrated generative AI into its claims processes, facilitating operational enhancements that empowers claims teams while also bolstering fraud detection capabilities. The company has also recognised the importance of frontline training, enhancing it through the adoption of new AI tools designed to better identify and assist vulnerable customers, ensuring the needs of all clients are met promptly and effectively. The incorporation of digital solutions and AI tools has led to accelerated response times, significantly improving customer service in the intermediated business sector.

A notable application of AI within the company is the AI chatbot 'CASI'. This innovative tool assists customers in identifying policy documents and determining the accurate coverage of their policies, ultimately leading to improved customer experiences. AI is also used to provide Total Loss Prediction for motor claims by streamlining the claims process, effectively reducing the duration of claims and providing a more efficient service to customers, cutting the process to three steps and reducing claim duration by eight to nine days.

Origin

Market Cap: $16.7bn

ASX Rank: 39

Origin said it is actively monitoring and trialling new AI technologies and its messaging to investors stresses issues such as data security, ethics, and fairness. To navigate this complex terrain, a crucial aspect of Origin’s AI strategy lies in the development of governance processes. These processes are designed to ensure AI technologies are developed using Responsible AI guidelines, showcasing the company’s commitment to ethical practices in its technological pursuits.

The giant utility has implemented an AI orchestration platform known as VPP (Virtual Power Plant) which enhances the company’s ability to predict customer demand more accurately, helping it to optimise resource allocation and improve service delivery.

As Origin continues to explore the potential of AI, it said it remains focused on ensuring innovations align with responsible practices, setting a benchmark for other businesses in the industry.

Seven

Market Cap: $16.7bn

ASX Rank: 41

Seven West Media wants to be able to use AI to enhance advertising strategies and enhance content monetisation, ultimately driving higher productivity. The combination of analytics and AI helps it to more effectively target key demographics with tailored content. This precision in targeting has led to significantly more efficient advertising for their customers, as they can now deliver relevant advertisements to specific audiences, maximising engagement and return on investment, the company reported.

Seven Group said its Westrac business, meanwhile, also "focused on investing in and leveraging sophisticated software tools, analytics, and artificial intelligence through systems like Palantir and Integrated Dealer Solutions. These initiatives have improved workshop velocity, reduced new machine build timelines, and boosted the productivity of skilled technicians, all contributing to the record operating performance for the year."

Pro Medicus

Market Cap: $17.17bn

ASX Rank: 40

Pro Medicus is a standout among the ASX 50 in putting AI at the heart if its story. The company has a strategy to put itself at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the realm of medical imaging analysis, a move that promises to enhance clinical outcomes. The company leverages its proprietary Visage-7 AI Accelerator, an end-to-end platform designed specifically for AI applications in healthcare. This innovative framework positions Pro Medicus to capitalise on the growing trends within the AI landscape, providing a streamlined path to market for its AI-ready technologies. Central to the Visage-7 architecture is use of advanced GPU processors, which are essential for running AI algorithms. This design not only ensures high performance but also makes the architecture fundamentally compatible with AI applications, reinforcing Pro Medicus' commitment to cutting-edge technology in medical imaging.

"The trends we have previously identified as driving the industry are continuing unabated. Exponentially larger data sets and transition to the Cloud create demands that are uniquely satisfied by Visage 7 with its fast, clinically rich, highly modular, and scalable technology. We continue to see increasing interest in the emerging field of artificial intelligence (AI) for medical imaging analysis, technology that shows promise to improve clinical outcomes," the company stated.

It also made a US$5M minority investment in Elucid Bioimaging, a company developing in AI for cardiac CT.

In addition to its technological advancements, Pro Medicus emphasises the ethical deployment of AI. The company said it champions responsible AI practices, highlighting critical considerations such as patient safety, data privacy, fairness, and accountability in the development and implementation of AI solutions. This commitment reflects a broader industry movement towards ensuring that AI tools in healthcare are used in ways that prioritise ethical standards and patient welfare, the company added.

Meridian Energy

Market Cap: $14.6bn

ASX Rank: 44

AI and machine learning are becoming mainstream across the business, capturing efficiencies and enhancing innovations, according to Meridian Energy's investor pack. The company is integrating both into its operations to enhance efficiency and decision-making and Meridian Energy noted usage is becoming mainstream across its business practices. 

In a move to further improve interactions between employees and technology, Meridian Energy has also begun to employ generative AI. This approach aims to humanise and simplify the ways in which staff engage with technological systems, ultimately enhancing user experience and operational workflow. The company wants to be seen as setting a benchmark for the energy sector's adoption of AI-driven solutions.

Car Group

Market Cap: $14bn

ASX Rank: 46

The Carsales annual report is strangely quiet on the subject of AI given how hard the company has worked to integrates the technology into its platform. The investor pack contains just a single reference, an oblique reference to its AI Photo Assist technology.

South32

Market Cap: $13.95bn

ASX Rank: 38

AI is central to what South32 calls its Next Generation Mine Mission, aimed at reshaping the way its mines operate to support better safety, productivity and emissions outcomes. AI is central to the plan.

"We recognise the potential that AI offers and have established a targeted approach that allows us to scale and unlock value in four areas that support our strategy and create shareholder value – safety, cash generation, exploration, and productivity enablers. We have already unlocked value through AI initiatives at Australia Manganese, Worsley Alumina and Cerro Matoso, with plans to scale to other operations. Our work in AI follows responsible AI frameworks and is underpinned by risk management, governance, cyber and privacy controls," the company stated.

AI also features heavily in South32's risk assessment, in terms of its ability to leverage the power of AI in innovation, and the associated costs of failing to keep pace.

Sonic Healthcare

Market Cap: $12.9bn

ASX Rank: 48

Sonic Healthcare said it is making significant strides in the integration of AI within its operations, particularly in the fields of pathology and radiology. The company anticipates AI will lead to substantial improvements in efficiency, quality, and capacity in the coming years. To capitalise on these potential advancements, Sonic is actively investing in its IT and infrastructure, specifically targeting digital pathology to unlock these gains. One of the key initiatives in this journey is the Franklin.ai joint venture, which is in the final stages of developing its first AI product. Validation studies and field trials for this product are set to begin in early 2024, marking an important step in bringing AI capabilities to Sonic's healthcare services.

Additionally, Sonic is involved in Harrison.ai, where it holds a 20 per cent stake. This joint venture is focused on radiology AI. Notably, the chest X-ray AI product has already been implemented across Sonic's radiology operations. g patient outcomes through innovative solutions.

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