Other Tomorrowist Trends in the News: May 8, 2025

Each week, the Tomorrowist team publishes a video podcast and a deep-dive article on a single important trend facing businesses. But business leaders need a holistic view of the changing business landscape. Here are a few stories from around the web focused on other Tomorrowist-worthy trends that readers shouldn’t miss.

AI-Driven 18-Wheelers in Texas Have No Room for Error (Bloomberg)

What to Know: Aurora Innovation successfully completed 1,200 miles of autonomous trucking between Houston and Dallas — without a human driver. Unlike generative artificial intelligence models, Aurora’s “verifiable AI” is task-specific and rules-based, built to safely navigate real-world environments. This milestone signals a practical leap forward for AI-powered robotics across logistics, manufacturing, and other physically demanding sectors. 

Why It Matters: Aurora’s breakthrough marks a shift from abstract AI hype to tangible industrial transformation. With labor shortages, high accident rates, and rising logistics costs, autonomous trucking could boost safety, productivity, and economic resilience. As companies race to deploy reliable, transparent AI systems in physical machines, the stakes now go far beyond digital assistants or chatbots.

Companies Keep Saying Two Words That Prove They’re Worried About the Future (CNN) 

What to Know: Major U.S. companies are “suspending guidance” amid growing uncertainty tied to potential tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump. Leaders of automakers such as Stellantis and GM, along with tech firms and airlines, have said unpredictable trade policies and softening consumer demand are making it too difficult to provide accurate earnings forecasts for investors and analysts.

Why It Matters: Suspending guidance is a red flag for economic volatility and HR leaders. Without clear forecasts, investor confidence wanes and strategic planning becomes harder. Workforce planning, talent investments, and compensation strategies must adapt in real time. Scenario planning and agile HR practices are essential in this environment. 

North Korea Stole Your Job (Wired)

What to Know: A global cybercrime ring linked to North Korea has infiltrated hundreds of U.S. and European companies using fake remote IT workers. These operatives, supported by U.S.-based facilitators, use AI tools, stolen identities, and deceptive tactics to pass interviews, access company systems, and send earnings — estimated in the millions — back to Pyongyang.

Why It Matters: This scheme exposes urgent vulnerabilities in remote hiring and identity verification processes. With AI making fraud harder to detect, even trained professionals are being duped. The threat extends beyond lost wages — malicious code and data theft could quietly undermine national security and corporate stability. Companies must evolve their screening methods and remain alert to increasingly sophisticated digital deception.

Can Clean Energy Make Brazil an AI Superpower? (Time) 

What to Know: Brazil is emerging as a prime destination for AI infrastructure, thanks to its clean energy grid — nearly 90% renewable — and strong national transmission system. Government officials are actively courting tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft, pitching Brazil as a sustainable alternative to the U.S. amid surging AI-related energy demands and regulatory uncertainty.

Why It Matters: Clean energy is fast becoming an economic differentiator. As companies chase greener AI infrastructure, talent will follow. Brazil’s clean energy advantage positions it as a rising tech hub, reshaping global workforce strategies. HR leaders with global teams must align talent mobility, sustainability goals, and competitive hiring.