AI in the Wild is where I notice AI popping up in everyday places—grocery stores, city streets, even in the way we connect with our pets. Here, I share the small, surprising moments when AI steps out of the screen and into real life.
Spot the AI Patrol Dog
At home, Chivi protects me. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some sites will have robot dogs. Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots are being used for security support, with two assigned to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and two to the International Broadcast Center in Dallas. Equipped with cameras, the robots can patrol, inspect areas, and send video back to human security officers. In Mexico, separate K9-X robot dogs are also being used around BBVA Stadium for perimeter patrol and public safety. What strikes me is how quickly the language has changed. A year ago, I researched Spot as a robot dog. Now the word AI is attached to the story. AI in the wild has officially grown legs.
AI in the Grocery Aisle: ShopRite Caper Carts
I love these AI-powered grocery carts. I can bag as I shop, see my running total, get sales and coupons, and even receive reminders about favorite items like Chivi’s dog treats before I leave. This is AI in the wild, not someday, not science fiction, but right there in the grocery aisle
AI and Lung Cancer: Earlier Warnings, Better Chances
As a former smoker, any information about lung cancer catches my attention. Researchers are now using machine learning to study lung scans, blood tests, and patient risk factors to help detect lung cancer earlier or identify people who may need closer screening. This is AI in the wild at its most serious: not just making shopping easier, but possibly helping doctors find danger sooner.