In this episode, Ask AI host Elena Putilina talks with Gabe Batstone, CEO and co-founder of Contextere, about the future of “blue collar AI.”

Gabe explains how their AI copilot, Madison, empowers industrial workers by delivering real-time, context-rich insight, reducing risks, increasing safety, and speeding up complex repairs.

It’s a powerful story of human-AI collaboration born on the front lines of aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.

Their conversation somewhat flips the script on AI and automation. Instead of replacing jobs, Contextere’s tools help field workers make better, faster, and safer decisions, especially in high-stakes, industrial settings.

It's about augmentation, not automation.

What you’ll hear:

- Why “blue collar” workers are among the least likely to be automated

- How Madison curates intelligence from 10+ systems to reduce time and risk

- Why co-creation with users shaped their voice-first design approach

Visit the episode post to get all the links and resources mentioned:

https://www.askai.org/post/e59-can-ai-become-a-trusted-tool-for-industrial-field-workers-gabe-batstone-contextere

You can also download this episode and listen or watch on-demand by searching "Ask AI" wherever you get your podcasts.

ABOUT ASK AI:

Ask AI is an independent nonprofit that collaborates with volunteers, industry experts, and AI innovators to share free content and resources that help people spot the opportunities and navigate the challenges associated with the increased adoption of artificial intelligence at work.

Visit our website to subscribe:

https://www.askai.org/subscribe

AI is transforming how people search for information and how businesses attract customers online. In this episode of the Ask AI Podcast, host Elena Putilina talks with Brock Murray, Co-Founder and COO of seoplusplus, a leading Canadian digital agency.

Brock shares how large language models like ChatGPT are shifting user behavior away from traditional search engines and why this signals a major turning point for digital marketers. He explains the rise of Generative Engine Optimization GEO, the resurgence of platforms like Wikipedia and Reddit, and why SEO fundamentals still matter.

You’ll hear how Brock’s team is using AI responsibly including developing a custom anonymizer for safer client data handling and how they’re preparing their staff with training experimentation and a strong growth mindset.

Visit the episode post for all the links and resources mentioned:

https://www.askai.org/post/how-is-ai-impacting-seo-and-the-future-of-growth-agencies

ABOUT ASK AI

Ask AI is an independent nonprofit that collaborates with volunteers, industry experts, and AI innovators to share free content and resources that help people spot the opportunities and navigate the challenges associated with the increased adoption of artificial intelligence at work.

Subscribe:

https://www.askai.org/subscribe

Episode 57 of the Ask AI podcast features a conversation with Eric Sigel, a data scientist and biotech innovator with over 20 years of experience.

The discussion delves into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of scientific research, particularly in drug discovery, but not always at the expected pace or in anticipated ways.

Eric shares insights from his work at X-Chem, where he developed the scientific computing and data science infrastructure for their DNA-Encoded Library platform, and at ZebiAI, a spin-off company that applied machine learning to DEL technology and was acquired by Relay Therapeutics.

The episode explores the challenges of integrating AI into laboratory workflows, the bottlenecks that persist despite technological advancements, and the evolving skill sets required for scientists to keep pace with AI's rapid evolution.

For more details, please visit the episode post.

ABOUT ASK AI PODCASTAsk AI is an independent nonprofit that collaborates with volunteers, industry experts, and AI innovators to share free content and resources that help people spot the opportunities and navigate the challenges associated with the increased adoption of artificial intelligence at work. Visit: askai.org