Title: American Honda Motor Co. Embraces Generative AI with Strategic Approach
American Honda Motor Co. has seen a clear distinction in its approach to AI before and after the public release of ChatGPT. According to Bob Brizendine, VP of IT at American Honda, the launch of ChatGPT disrupted the company’s planned strategy, leading to a shift in priorities to embrace generative AI.
Following ChatGPT’s release, the company developed a five-prong generative AI strategy aimed at addressing immediate risks and benefits while planning for the long term. This strategy included decisions on public versions of tools, bringing capabilities in-house, identifying departments needing tailored capabilities, retraining internal developers, and understanding software suppliers’ roadmap for integrating generative AI.
Brizendine emphasized the democratization of data insights with generative AI and the need for the company to remain agile in its approach to AI adoption. American Honda is not alone in pivoting its plans, with many technology leaders adjusting their strategy due to generative AI.
When selecting a solution, the company focused on capability, risk mitigation, and speed of deployment and ultimately chose Microsoft’s Copilot. Brizendine emphasized the responsible AI layer that Copilot adds, allowing teams to benefit from ChatGPT without the associated risks.
The company rolled out Copilot to its workers and observed uniform adoption across the business, with various departments using the tool for daily tasks. American Honda is also looking to take advantage of embedded AI capabilities within existing providers’ products.
As the company educates its employees on leveraging generative AI tools, it emphasizes caution and educates its leadership team through informational sessions. It also provides safe use guidelines and virtual office hours for employees to seek advice from AI experts.
Ultimately, American Honda’s approach emphasizes the idea that generative AI should augment human creativity and productivity rather than replace it. This balanced strategy enables the company to take on new challenges while keeping humans at the center of AI use.
