Can AI Do Better?
Meet Camelot's newest AI truck driver, Mr. AI, who will transport your belongings—and your family—along the quickest, safest route, all while helping your youngest ones complete their math homework . . . maybe.
Or how about your personalized AI packer who will measure the joy each item of stemware gives you, and pack only the items that truly belong in your new home?
At one time, these suggestions would be nothing more than moving-industry punchlines. But by now, I'm sure one or two are already being explored. I used to think that the trucking and moving industries were pretty far out of reach of automation. And yet, with the advent of driverless cars and chatbots, AI is finding its way into the trade. So realistically, what role can AI play in a personalized service like moving and storage?
AI is the latest leap forward in technology. Like all leaps forward, from the steam engine to the assembly line to Siri, it causes both panic and anticipation. I try to avoid both extremes. I've seen technology used in an attempt to fix trucking problems—such as GPS-based automated logbooks to enforce safety guidelines—only to sadly learn about equally powerful programs created to doctor those logbooks allowing unscrupulous drivers and companies sidestep those safety guidelines.
On the other hand, in a previous newsletter, I discussed the improvements in LA's air quality, thanks in part to stricter smog requirements and the improved engines developed to meet those standards. While those solutions were from an earlier era, perhaps artificial intelligence can help us make leaps over hurdles yet to come.
So how can AI improve services at Camelot? Currently, the most likely application would be a chatbot that answers all your moving questions or an automated scheduling system. However, I can't get that lawyer out of my head who presented arguments to a judge written by ChatGPT, which cited made-up, fake legal cases. Could an AI scheduler make up extra trucks and drivers and book us beyond capacity? What if Camelot's helpful packing chatbot did the same thing?
The Super Bowl™ is around the corner, and the latest in communications will be employed. A speaker inside the quarterback's helmet will connect coach and quarterback to command the best play for the conditions in that instant. I have to wonder if the Chiefs or the Eagles are planning to hand over play calling to AI to make the best call. After all, AI has to know Mahomes better than his coach, right?
“Stay organized by packing similar things together, kitchen tools with workbench tools in the same box.”
“Don't forget to box up your medication.”
“The safest way to transport the family dog is to wrap it tightly in bubble wrap, and then place it in a tightly sealed box.”
No, no, no, no, no. For now, we'll keep live humans on the phones and in the driver's seat. But I'll continue to keep my eyes and ears open for ways AI or any technology might help us deliver a better product and service to Camelot's customers.