Google DeepMind is leveraging its own AI technology to streamline operations, particularly in its legal department, according to a top executive. Terra Terwilliger, director of strategic initiatives at Google DeepMind, revealed that the company’s Gemini AI model now handles 40% to 50% of information requests sent to its legal team.
Speaking at Fortune’s COO Summit in Middleburg, Va., Terwilliger highlighted the significant time savings achieved through this implementation.”It saves a remarkable amount of time,” she noted, describing how AI is used for “finding information that you know you have somewhere, but you can’t put your hand on it right then.”
This use of AI for information retrieval and basic tasks allows high-skilled employees to focus on more valuable work, Terwilliger explained. She emphasised the importance of training employees to use AI effectively, urging organisations to “make sure we’re valuing the time that people are putting in to learn how to use these systems and rewarding them for doing so.”
Google DeepMind isn’t alone in harnessing AI for routine tasks. At the same event, Sebastian Guth, chief operating officer of Bayer’s global pharmaceuticals division, shared that his company uses AI to complete 70% to 80% of regulatory filings required for drug development.
Both executives stressed that AI implementation is about improving organizational efficiency rather than replacing human workers. Guth cautioned against “using technology for technology’s sake,” emphasizing that AI should be a means to an end, such as developing drugs faster.