Welcome back to Daily Zaps, your regularly-scheduled dose of AI news ⚡️ 

Here’s what we got for ya today:

• 🗺️ OpenAI’s official “blueprint for U.S. AI infrastructure”

• 🗣️ Dario Amodei: Anthropic CEO on the Future of AI

• 📉 AI adoption among workers has slowed

• 🚕 Waymo’s robotaxis are now available in LA

Let’s get right into it!

Sign Up | Advertise | Tools

STARTUPS

OpenAI’s official “blueprint for U.S. AI infrastructure”

OpenAI is releasing a blueprint for artificial intelligence infrastructure aimed at boosting U.S. productivity and advancing technology development. The document, set to be presented in Washington, advocates for government support in areas such as data centers, AI, and semiconductors, while emphasizing the role of AI in revitalizing the American economy and national security.

The blueprint outlines five policy priorities, including the creation of AI economic zones, improved energy systems for AI, and a National Transmission Highway Act to address energy infrastructure challenges. It also calls for a North American Compact for AI to compete with China and highlights the potential of the Navy’s nuclear resources for driving reindustrialization. OpenAI also urges the government to prepare the workforce for AI-related jobs to support these infrastructure projects.

STARTUPS

Dario Amodei: Anthropic CEO on the Future of AI

Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, discusses the future of AI and the company’s focus on safety and alignment with human values. He talks about the challenges of scaling AI and the competition from other companies like OpenAI and Google.

Amodei introduces Claude, Anthropic’s AI model, and shares its development from Opus 3.5 to Claude 4.0. He emphasizes the importance of AI safety, regulation, and building a strong team. Amodei also explores the timeline for artificial general intelligence (AGI), the philosophical impact of AI, and the potential for AI to help create a better future if developed responsibly.

RESEARCH

AI adoption among workers has slowed

AI adoption among desk workers, especially in the U.S., is slowing down due to uncertainty and discomfort about using the technology at work, according to a recent Slack Workforce Index report. Over the past three months, AI adoption among U.S. workers only grew by 1%, a significant drop from last year’s 8% increase.

Many workers feel confused about when and how to use AI, with about half uncomfortable admitting to managers that they use it, fearing it might be seen as a sign of incompetence. While workers are eager to build AI skills, most have received little or no training. There is also a gap between what executives and employees expect from AI use, with executives focusing on upskilling and innovation, while employees expect more administrative work.

BIG TECH

Waymo’s robotaxis are now available in LA

Waymo is expanding its self-driving service in Los Angeles by removing the waitlist, allowing anyone in the area to use the Waymo One app to hail a robotaxi across nearly 80 square miles of Los Angeles County. This marks the largest expansion for Waymo, which is now fully operational in LA, following its launch in San Francisco and Phoenix.

The company has seen rapid growth, with more than 150,000 paid rides per week across its three markets. Waymo recently secured $5.6 billion in funding to support further expansion and has announced partnerships with Uber for a 2025 launch in Austin and with Hyundai to add electric vehicles to its fleet. The service has been especially popular with women and parents who appreciate the safety of autonomous rides.