Welcome to this week's edition of AI for 30! This newsletter details the latest AI advancements and how they can enhance your logistics and supply chain operations. Whether you're an industry veteran or a newcomer eager to explore the potential of AI, this newsletter is your gateway to staying informed and inspired.

On the Agenda This Week:

• Supply chain mapping with AI

• Prompt of the Week

• Leading Stories in AI and Logistics

• Quote of the Week

Let’s dig in!

📊 AI + Supply Chain = Magic

Have you ever wished you could map your entire supply chain in seconds?

Well, now you can.

Here's how:

1️⃣ Meet Claude 3.5 Sonnet

• Anthropic's latest AI

• Your new supply chain buddy

2️⃣ Pair it with Mermaid

• Simple diagramming tool

• No design skills needed

3️⃣ The result?

• Instant supply chain maps

• Future state modeling in minutes

Here's the magic formula:

• Describe your process to Claude

• Get Mermaid code instantly

• Paste into Mermaid editor

• BOOOM! Pro-level diagram

1. Example prompt to give Claude below:

create a visualization that effectively captures the entire supply chain of a typical automotive OEM, consider starting with a high-level flowchart that showcases the key stages involved. Begin with the sourcing of raw materials, move on to the manufacturing process, highlight the assembly of components, illustrate distribution channels, and conclude with the delivery of finished vehicles to customers. Use different colors, icons, or labels to distinguish between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Include data points such as lead times, costs, and quality control measures at each stage to provide a comprehensive overview. Don't forget to add a key or legend to explain the symbols or colors used in the visualization for better understanding. Ensure that the visualization is clear, concise, and visually engaging to communicate the complexities of the automotive OEM supply chain effectively. I will be using mermaid to create the visual.  Provide the code so I can do so.

2. Claude output - copy code so you can paste in Mermaid 

   

3. Paste the code on the left side once you’re in Mermaid. 

   

4. Now you have a detailed diagram to iterate on and make improvements with. This can be done in a few minutes and is a great visual.

But wait, there's more:

• Spot bottlenecks instantly

• Test "what-if" scenarios

• Collaborate with your team

• Update on the fly

The best part? You can do all this from your phone.

No more clunky software. No more hours wasted on PowerPoint.

Just clear, actionable insights at your fingertips.

Ready to revolutionize your supply chain?

Give it a shot, and let me know how it goes!

Prompt of the Week

• Implementing Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)

Imagine you're tasked with implementing a Kaizen approach in your organization. Describe three practical steps you would take to foster a culture of continuous improvement among your team. Consider how you would encourage feedback, identify improvement opportunities, and sustain momentum over time. How would you measure the success of your Kaizen initiatives?

Leading Stories in AI and Logistics

🤖 Robots-as-a-Service: The Next Supply Chain Revolution?

Big news: Agility Robotics + GXO Logistics = Game On

The scoop:

• Multi-year deal signed

• Bringing Digit humanoid robots to warehouses

• First-ever RaaS (Robots-as-a-Service) commercial deployment

Meet Digit:

• 5'9" tall

• Lifts 35 pounds

• Cloud-connected for fleet management

The backstory:

• Successful 2023 pilot with Spanx

• Now scaling up in the Connecticut facility

• Amazon's also kicking the tires

Why it's huge:

1. RaaS = Lower barrier to entry

2. No massive upfront costs

3. Easier scaling for companies

The big question: Is RaaS the new SaaS?

My take: Every company will soon want advanced robotics. RaaS might be their ticket in.

What's next:

• Watch for more RaaS deals

• Expect rapid adoption in logistics

• Keep an eye on workforce impacts

Bottom line: The future of warehouses is here. And it's subscription-based.

🚓 Cop vs. Robot: The Traffic Stop That Broke the Internet

• Phoenix cop pulls over a car

• Finds an empty driver's seat

• Cue confused cop face

What happened:

• Waymo Robotaxi caught driving on the wrong side

• Rolls down the window for the bewildered officer

• Connects cop to Waymo support (awkward!)

The plot thickens:

• Waymo blames "inconsistent construction signage"

• It comes weeks after the 672-vehicle recall

• Those cars couldn't dodge pole-like objects (yikes!)

Why it's hilarious AND meaningful:

1. Cop ticketing a computer = comedy gold

2. Exposes significant gaps in traffic laws

3. Shows real-world challenges of self-driving tech

The big questions:

• Who do you ticket when there's no driver?

• How do we update laws for robot cars?

• Can AI handle unexpected road situations?

My take: Self-driving future's coming fast. But it's got some growing pains.

What's next:

• Expect more viral robocar moments

• Watch for updates to traffic laws

• Keep an eye on Waymo vs. Tesla race

The bottom line is that the future of driving is here, and it's confusing our cops.

Ready for your next traffic stop to be with R2-D2?

That's all for this week's AI for 30. Your engagement truly makes a difference in

If there are any tools you think I should check out for next time, please reply to this email and let me know!

Have a great week.

Will