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Where to find artificial intelligence in action in Charlotte

The Queen City is becoming an emerging hub for artificial intelligence, with businesses, hospitals, and universities adopting more AI technology.

A student wears virtual reality goggles with a screen of a Zoom call in the background.

Students at UNC Charlotte explore the possibilities of virtual interactions using AI technology.

Photo via UNC Charlotte

How do you feel about AI being used in Charlotte classrooms? While we’re still learning the ins and outs of artificial intelligence, it’s already making its mark in Queen City industries — offering support, sparking innovation, and forging new career paths.

Research and education

UNC Charlotte is at the forefront of AI research. The Charlotte AI Institute has launched initiatives like the AI4Health Center and the Center for Trustworthy AI Through Model Risk Management (TAIMingAI). These centers focus on the future of AI in healthcare and on promoting ethical AI use.

Healthcare and Medical AI

Charlotte-based Atrium Health is the first health system in the US to deploy an artificial intelligence tool designed to automate clinical documentation during patient visits. Plus, the healthcare system partnered with IRCAD North America and Siemens Healthineers to advance surgical AI technologies, like robotics and simulation training.

That’s not all. Novant Health launched its Institute of Innovation & AI, using platforms like Viz.ai and HeartFlow to assist in diagnosing strokes and cardiac conditions.

Finance

Known as being a “banking town,” Charlotte-based Truist Bank introduced “Truist Assist,” an AI-driven virtual assistant available on its mobile app and website, capable of handling 200+ customer inquiries.

Bank of America launched Erica, the first widely-adopted AI-driven virtual financial assistant, back in 2018. Since then, Erica has interacted with more than 20 million clients.

A rendering of a virtual retail store featuring Charlotte Hornets merchandise.

The Charlotte Hornets debuted the NBA’s first-ever virtual fan store.
Rendering via Charlotte Hornets

Sports and shopping

Mooresville-based Lowe’s has implemented security robots in some of its Charlotte-area stores for surveillance and to help prevent theft.

This is causing a buzz at Spectrum Center, too. The Charlotte Hornets teamed up with the AI plaform MeetKai to launch the NBA’s first virtual team store, giving fans the chance to shop in a 3D environment.

Robots and automation

Lucid Bots is a Charlotte-based company specializing in AI-integrated robots designed for jobs like power-washing and floor cleaning.

Maybe the shape of things to come? SandStar AI is honing in on improving autonomous checkouts and smarter kiosks. Their technology is being used by over 20 Fortune 500 companies.

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