Latest news with #Watson
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Rise Of Agentic AI—3 Big Barriers Enterprises Must Overcome
Key Barriers to Agentic AI Adoption getty In the race to stay competitive, agentic AI could be your smartest hire — yet many companies are still stuck at the starting line. As this next-generation AI enters mainstream enterprise operations, it promises not just automation, but autonomous collaboration, contextual reasoning and task orchestration. Still, businesses have been slow to adopt it. Why? Three challenges stand in the way: trust, training and technical integration. And if organizations fail to address these in time, the cost isn't just delay — it's disruption. More than half (55%) of enterprises cite trust-related concerns, such as data privacy (13%), reliability (13%) and accuracy (8%), as key barriers to deploying AI agents, according to a 2024 survey by Forum Ventures. Industry Example: IBM's Watson for Oncology was once hailed as a game-changer in healthcare, but its opaque decision-making and inconsistent recommendations eroded user trust, causing hospitals to scale back use. Risk of Inaction: Failing to build trust not only undermines adoption but also exposes companies to reputational and regulatory risks. In sensitive sectors like healthcare, finance and law, a breach of confidence can be costly, legally and operationally. How to Overcome the Barrier: Enterprises must prioritize data privacy, ethics and bias mitigation. Complying with standards like GDPR and CCPA is non-negotiable. Equally vital is transparency — embedding human oversight into high-stakes workflows and ensuring AI decisions can be explained and audited. Lucid's recent survey shows that 33% of workers believe ongoing training is the top hurdle to successfully implementing AI. Among entry-level employees, 41% reported feeling unprepared to use AI features, compared to just 10% of executives. The Marketing AI Institute found that 67% of marketers see lack of training as the primary obstacle to AI adoption. Industry Example: In Italy, only 8% of enterprises used AI tools in 2024. Why? Most cited digital illiteracy within their workforce as the core barrier, highlighting a widespread gap between potential and readiness. Risk of Inaction: Without training, AI agents risk becoming underused or misused, leading to low ROI, internal resistance and stagnation in innovation pipelines. How to Overcome the Barrier: AI agents aren't plug-and-play tools — they're adaptive systems. Enterprises must invest in dynamic training programs and customize models continuously to align with shifting goals. Monitoring performance and fine-tuning agents should be a standard operating procedure, not an afterthought. Bain & Company reports that 75% of organizations lack the in-house expertise to scale generative AI efforts. These hurdles are compounded by legacy systems and fragmented architectures. Industry Example: Banks are struggling to implement AI effectively due to outdated, fragmented data systems that prevent the consistent, accurate and timely data AI requires. Despite investing heavily in modernization, these legacy systems pose a major obstacle. Risk of Inaction: Fragmented infrastructure can delay deployment, inflate costs and bottleneck the flow of insights, rendering agentic AI ineffective or incomplete. How to Overcome the Barrier: Enterprises must embrace proactive risk management when integrating AI. This includes stress-testing systems, anticipating failure points and building fallback mechanisms. Particularly in early-stage deployments, constant output monitoring is essential to detect and mitigate unexpected behavior. By proactively addressing these barriers, enterprises can pave the way for the successful integration of agentic AI, unlocking its full potential to enhance efficiency and innovation.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Climate crisis message shared
A Wānaka teenager is touring New Zealand to encourage other students to help those in need after he spent 40 hours in a cage and kayaked the length of Lake Wānaka to raise funds for World Vision. Former Mount Aspiring College student James Watson travelled to the Solomon Islands with World Vision recently and saw the devastating impact climate change has had on children and families. The 18-year-old is now sharing the stories of those he met as part of his role as a Youth Ambassador for the World Vision 40-Hour Challenge. He is visiting more than 100 schools in the lower North Island to inspire students to go 40 hours offline and raise funds to support children affected by hunger in the Solomon Islands. Mr Watson was moved by the daily struggles of Solomon Islanders, who do not get enough to eat each day due to the climate crisis. He recalled meeting 9-year-old Polyne, who had big dreams of playing football and becoming a nurse but faced challenges. "Polyne has the heart and determination to make these happen, but she faces a huge roadblock — lack of food. "Even the giant taro that once could feed an entire family is no longer growing in her community. It broke my heart to see how this severe lack of food has become normal for them." Spending this valuable time in the Solomon Islands gave Mr Watson perspective and left him feeling New Zealand society could be very self-focused. "We have an inclination to be all me, me, me. We forget that there are young people in other parts of the world who can't follow their dreams because they are struggling to get enough to eat each day," he said. As a result, he encouraged peers to view the world as their one and only home. Mr Watson has a long history with the World Vision 40-Hour Challenge and has tested himself with some big challenges, namely kayaking the length of Lake Wanaka and living in a cage for 40 hours to help raise funds for the campaign. "I am excited to be carrying on with this kaupapa to make a difference for rangatahi who aren't being afforded basic human rights, like getting enough food. I hope New Zealand students will get behind the campaign this year so tamariki in Solomon Islands can follow their dreams just like we can here," he said. "By giving something up we learn to connect with others, and we learn to be grateful for all the privileges we have in life." Mr Watson's challenge this year will include going offline for 40 hours while he films 40 conversations about hope. "In Solomon Islands we saw how much the people valued connecting with each other face-to-face and back here I saw how we have lost some of that ... I will be asking 40 people to share their stories of hope. I want to show that everyone has a story to tell, and that's what makes us human. Just like Polyne has a story and hope." The World Vision 40-Hour Challenge runs from June 13-15, with sign-ups and donations via the website. — APL
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin named top city for grads thanks to affordable rent
(NewsNation) — Graduation is an optimistic day for many, but some may have a rough road ahead as they face the toughest job market in years. According to an analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 41% of new graduates are now working in jobs that typically don't require a college degree, up from 39% in January. That's why it's so important where these recent college grads end up. analyzed more than 300 cities and towns to find the most 'grad-friendly' rental markets in 2025, weighing factors like housing affordability, rental availability and job opportunities. Austin, Texas, topped the list for the second year in a row thanks to its low rent-to-income ratio (18.9%) and high share of jobs (29.4%) that require a bachelor's degree but no prior experience. Recent college grads face toughest job market in years Austin Mayor Kirk Watson told 'Morning in America' that the city not only offers a vibrant lifestyle but also significant opportunities in tech for young professionals building their careers. 'Everywhere from manufacturing in tech and semiconductor, of course, with the Samsung and NXP and all of the different semiconductors manufacturers we have, we have a real opportunity. We have real opportunities there,' Watson said. 'The technology field is, is, is across the board in Austin, Texas, and that's only getting better,' he said. We have a fairly new medical school at the University of Texas at Austin, and that medical school is getting us into bio and health-related technology and jobs like never before.' Spelling bee champ wins by visualizing words typed on keyboard Watson added that the city is increasing funding to its infrastructure to help provide career opportunities, like the Austin Infrastructure Academy. 'That's an academy that we're putting together so that we can make sure we have people that can do the work that we need to do to work in this infrastructure sector of our economy,' he said. 'We're working closely with the trade unions, working closely with our community college, and so we're able to focus on infrastructure in a way that I think is going to allow us to have even greater success.' Austin also has a lively cultural scene, hosting events such as the SXSW Conference and Austin City Limits Music Festival. 'It's not really mentioned in this report, but is it's a pretty fun place to live, too, particularly if you're a young person looking to make a life and make a career,' Watson said. NewsNation's Andrew Dorn contribute to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Desmond Watson, at last check 437 pounds, hungers to play in the NFL. Will his appetite prove to be his undoing?
That was what the 6-foot-6-inch, 437-pound Watson had to say about his 464-pound former self. He has trimmed 27 pounds from his beefier days at the University of Florida and made clear that he knows he has work to do, on the field, and particularly with those morning weigh-ins. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Can we all agree, despite what heavy hints of history provide on the subject, that this ends up in a good place for Watson? He's a local kid, grew up some 20 miles from Raymond James Stadium and said it's long been his dream to make it to the NFL. Safe travels, homeboy, for sure. Advertisement Yet the health risk here, the strain on heart, metabolism, knee joints, and psyche for someone so heavy is obvious and, at the very least, challenging. A typical sumo wrestler tips 'em at about 365 pounds. No one Watson's size ever seriously could have considered playing in the NFL. More doubtful any NFL team ever gave anyone of his girth a second thought of being employed beyond, say, a spot on field maintenance or game-day concessions. Advertisement No one in this year's NFL Draft felt Watson merited a pick, including the Patriots, The Buccaneers signed Watson as one of their 15 undrafted free agents, after seeing enough of him during four seasons at Gainesville to figure he's worth auditioning as a defensive tackle/run stopper. 'We didn't get him for the Tush Push,' said Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles. More promising, Bowles added that the Buccaneers feel no need — or perhaps see no viable path? — to get Watson immediately on the roster. They see him for what he is: a project, one who, by the way, topped everyone at the NFL Combine by bench pressing 225 pounds 36 times. He also ran a 5.93 in the 40-yard dash. He's not just the fat kid in the school marching band who thought, 'Gee, wouldn't it be cool to pull on a helmet?!' 'We really thought he could play,' Bowles said, 'we just have to see how long he can stay on the field.' Extra weight can be such a cruel demon, sometimes literally tearing up players and their careers from within body and mind. Exhibit A here in Boston: Red Sox third baseman Pablo 'Kung Fu Panda' Sandoval, who arrived here, age 28, from San Francisco ahead of the 2015 season as a big-smiling, big-contract (five years/$95 million) big personality, acquired to ensure the Sox extended their string of World Series titles. He already had three Series rings in his pocket. Advertisement Weight got the best of Sandoval. Frustrated by the size of his expanding waistline and his anorexic numbers at the plate, the Sox cut him free in July 2017, willing to eat the $48.3 million remaining on his deal. The Red Sox cut Pablo Sandoval free in July 2017, willing to eat the $48.3 million remaining on his deal. Jim Davis Today, age 38, Panda plays on — as an infielder with the Staten Island FerryHawks in the Atlantic League. Thorough Monday, he was hitting .255 with six homers and a team-high 25 RBIs in 26 games. The FerryHawks website listed their 5-10 former MLB star at 245 pounds. One of the NFL's more successful big men, William 'The Refrigerator' Perry, played defensive tackle, drafted by the Bears as a first-rounder out of Clemson in 1985, He was 6-3 and played at 335 pounds. New England fans of a certain age will recall his signature moment, crashing over the line as a fullback for a TD in the Bears' 46-10 humiliation of the Patriots in Super Bowl XX. William "The Refrigerator" Perry played 8½ seasons with the Bears. Anonymous/Associated Press Perry's battle of the bulge, along with various injuries, increasingly impaired his career, though perhaps not to Panda proportions. He played 8½ seasons with the Bears, and a late tour with the Eagles filled out a 10-year career — truly impressive longevity in the churn-and-burn NFL for a man of any size. In Philadelphia, he played closer to his college weight of 390. Post-career, the ever-smiling Perry ballooned into the mid-400 pounds and had at least one extended hospital stay for diabetes. He eventually became confined to a wheelchair, with his brother, ex-NFLer Michael Dean Perry, reportedly appointed his guardian and conservator. Advertisement Minicamp is a long, long way from any given Sunday, especially for undrafted free agents such as Desmond Watson. For today, he stands but a snap away from being yesterday's news or tomorrow's hero, placing him on even ground with everyone else in the NFL. We now begin to find out if he can balance 437 pounds in his favor or if his appetite proves to be his undoing. Kevin Paul Dupont can be reached at
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
With the NFL's deepest QB room, is it wise for the Browns to target another experienced quarterback in a trade?
Cleveland Browns QB situation (Credit: @_dillongabriel_/X) The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a familiar position — once again surrounded by quarterback uncertainty. With Deshaun Watson's Achilles rupture sidelining him for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season and a reinjury during rehab in January casting doubt over his availability for 2025, the team had been bracing for a future without its high-profile quarterback. But recent developments have reopened a sliver of hope. Should the Browns risk their QB chemistry to trade for a more consistent and experienced playmaker? In May, it was reported that the Browns had not ruled out the possibility of Watson returning at some point during the 2025 season. While that update stirred optimism among fans, the reality remains murky. Watson's clearance to play is far from certain, and the Browns may not even be counting on him to reclaim his role. In fact, Cleveland has made significant offseason moves suggesting they're prepared to move forward without him — at least for now. The team loaded up its quarterback room, adding veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett alongside rookie hopefuls Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. That quartet is set to compete fiercely in training camp, with hopes pinned especially on the younger talents to emerge as future starters. The veterans, while experienced, carry question marks — Flacco's prime is long behind him, and Pickett's inconsistency in Pittsburgh hardly inspired confidence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You will never turn off your computer again. Undo BROWNS QB BATTLE HEATS UP AS TEAM OTA PRACTICES UNDERWAY - The Daily Grossi If the Browns are banking on Watson making a miracle comeback to save their season, it likely means things have gone south early. That's why outside voices are urging the front office to consider a more aggressive move. The Draft Network's Justin Melo made waves with a bold suggestion: Cleveland should pursue Kirk Cousins. As Melo put it, "Cleveland's ceiling would be significantly higher with Cousins at quarterback. The Browns possess a stellar roster, and it's easy to envision the four-time Pro Bowler keeping them in postseason contention. We're not convinced Flacco or Pickett could achieve the same. Adding Cousins would allow Gabriel and Sanders to develop slowly behind the scenes. " Despite a turbulent 2024 season with the Falcons — where Cousins threw 18 touchdowns but also a league-high 16 interceptions — the veteran remains a more reliable hand than Flacco or Pickett. His recent absence from Atlanta's OTAs adds fuel to the trade rumors, signaling that he may already be eyeing a change of scenery. That could lower his trade value and make him an appealing option for Cleveland — assuming the Browns are willing to part ways with one of their current quarterbacks. As training camp looms, the Browns are running out of time to solidify their QB plan. Whether it's betting on youth, counting on a Watson resurgence, or making a move for Cousins, Cleveland's 2025 campaign may ultimately be defined by how they handle this high-stakes quarterback dilemma. Also Read: The Kansas City Chiefs' jersey number no one dares to wear — and the heartbreaking reason why
