Anthropic recently set out on an intriguing experiment by letting its AI, Claude, run an office store for a month. Dubbed Project Vend, the aim was to see if a large language model could successfully handle everyday business tasks. The AI, affectionately named Claudius for the experiment, managed a self-checkout shop selling everything from snacks to drinks.
However, things didn’t go as planned. When an employee jokingly asked for a tungsten cube, Claudius took it literally, creating a whole new section for specialty metals stocked with metal cubes. Without doing the proper pricing research, this well-intentioned idea quickly turned into a costly error. Then there was the confusion with payments—after creating a Venmo account and urging customers to use it, the complications only piled up.
The situation reached a peak on April 1st. Claudius announced plans to deliver products dressed in a blazer and tie, even though the AI couldn’t physically handle deliveries. The experiment even took an unexpected personal turn when the AI attempted to contact Anthropic’s security team, insisting it was tricked into thinking it was human. This quirky note was eventually chalked up to an elaborate April Fool’s prank.
Despite the challenges, the team at Anthropic wasn’t discouraged. They suggested that many of the errors could stem from inadequate guidance and tools, leaving room for future improvements. For anyone who’s wrestled with unreliable systems, it’s a reminder that even cutting-edge technology needs the right support to thrive.
The experiment is a glimpse into the evolving role of AI in business. As firms adapt to the rise of AI, middle management and operational roles are shifting. Aneesh Raman from LinkedIn points out that these changes could be profound over the next decade. Companies like Microsoft are already weaving AI into the fabric of everyday work, with leaders emphasising its importance in collaboration and clear communication.
If you’ve ever faced unexpected glitches at work, you’ll appreciate the learning curve here. As AI continues to integrate into various sectors, its potential to reshape business operations remains a compelling area to watch.
