A new analysis from Georgetown University reveals unexpected contenders in the AI landscape among S&P 500 companies, highlighting Walmart, Ford, and Wells Fargo as significant players. The study ranked the top 30 AI leaders based on patent filings, hiring trends, and research contributions. IBM leads this index, but retail giant Amazon follows closely, boasting the largest AI workforce—over twice that of Alphabet, which ranks third.
According to Zachary Arnold from Georgetown’s Emerging Technology Observatory, Amazon’s impact in AI may be underestimated. While it lacks a high-profile AI product like ChatGPT, Amazon’s extensive AI cloud infrastructure through Amazon Web Services and its innovative retail operations showcase its potential for future growth in the AI sector.
The analysis also identifies notable financial institutions, including Capital One, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, as emerging leaders in AI. Meanwhile, Ford secures the 18th position and Walmart ranks 23rd.
