Are Humans Getting Benched?

The day artificial intelligence (AI) dominates your March Madness bracket may not be a matter of if—but when. And that “when” might be 2025. Alan Levy, CEO of 4C Predictions, is putting $1 million on the line, betting that AI can outpick a professional sports gambler. His reasoning? Data beats human intuition.

But March Madness is just the tip of the iceberg. AI is already transforming industries in ways that go far beyond sports betting.

AI’s Playbook: From energy to e-commerce, AI is shifting how businesses operate, making them smarter, faster, and more efficient.

• Energy & Utilities: AI is optimizing power grids, predicting energy demand, and integrating renewable energy more efficiently than ever. IBM reports that 74% of energy and utility companies have already integrated or are exploring AI to enhance their operations.

• Healthcare: AI-powered diagnostics are enhancing accuracy and reducing human error. However, a Pew Research study found that 57% of Americans worry AI could harm patient-provider relationships, while 37% are concerned about the security of electronic health records.

• Retail & E-commerce: AI personalizes shopping experiences, boosts customer engagement, and drives loyalty in ways humans can’t. According to a McKinsey Report, businesses that excel in personalization generate 40% more revenue than competitors.

• Manufacturing: AI-driven predictive maintenance prevents costly equipment failures by analyzing real-time data. Siemens, for instance, uses AI to monitor machinery and prevent breakdowns before they happen, increasing efficiency and reducing downtime.

• Finance: AI is driving a financial revolution, with McKinsey reporting that banks leveraging AI could automate up to 70% of their operations—streamlining processes, boosting efficiency, and improving customer service.

• Transportation & Logistics: AI is optimizing supply chains, forecasting demand, and improving delivery efficiency. McKinsey reports that businesses adopting AI-driven supply chain management can cut logistics costs by 15%, optimize inventory by 35%, and boost service levels by 65%.

WY it Matters: AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about innovation. From revolutionizing the way businesses operate to redefining competition in sports and beyond. So, as AI takes on March Madness, the bigger question isn’t whether it will beat a human in a bracket pool—it’s how much of our world it will transform along the way.