AI is not a human

But it is helpful! A Q&A with Rachael Nemeth about the (good!) potential of artificial intelligence

Lately, any news about artificial intelligence (AI) seems fascinating or terrifying, with little area in between. This week, the so-called “Godfather of AI” broke ties with Google, where he contributed work for years,  in order to speak out about the dangers of the technology he helped to develop. That doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. 

But plenty of others, including restaurant industry leaders, have already spoken about its promise. 

Rachael Nemeth is the co-founder and CEO of Opus Training. She holds an admittedly rosy view on the potential of artificial intelligence to shape both Opus and the future of hospitality, but that’s because she’s already seen how it can transform employer-employee interactions. 

Opus offers mobile-based training¹ for “deskless” employees, which make up 70 percent of American workers. Its customers are mainly restaurants and restaurant groups: The Smith, &pizza, Luke’s Lobster, Sugarfish, and many more. 

Nemeth said she sees a lot of promise in the technology as a way to streamline work and improve conditions (and costs!) for restaurants; not to replace their people. 

“There has to be a truth and an honesty around the fact that AI is not a human,” she told me in a recent interview. 

“I think we’re in the first phase of managers and operators learning how AI can benefit them and how they can use it,” Nemeth continued. “I don’t think it’s a steep learning curve, but I do think there’s a trust curve, if that term even exists. It’s about getting people to understand that this is not going to replace the need for you to come in and add a human element.” 

Here’s more of our recent conversation, where Nemeth explains why she’s looking forward to the benefits of a buzzy emerging tech with the power to transform the business. 

Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity. 

Expedite: I imagine you have a good understanding of how AI could affect your business. Have you been watching the space for a while?