Salesforce Unveils AI-Powered Slackbot, Benioff Addresses Job Relevance
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff demonstrated the next generation of Slackbot with AI capabilities Tuesday in San Francisco, showcasing automation features designed to handle routine workplace tasks in minutes rather than days.
The updated Slackbot pulls unread messages, manages budgets, takes notes, and signs contracts through integrations with apps like Docusign. Slack General Manager Rob Seaman said work that previously took days or weeks now happens in minutes.
Benioff told reporters that humans remain essential for certain roles despite AI automation. "Large language models are fantastic for automated language and speaking, but to actually have a human-to-human interaction and sell something, you still need a human being," he said. Salesforce has hired aggressively in sales roles as a result.
The company employs more than 83,000 people globally, with over 9,000 in San Francisco.
Privacy and Safety Standards
Benioff addressed California Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order requiring stronger privacy and security standards for AI companies doing business with the state. He said the industry must establish higher safety guardrails after encountering problems in both AI and social media.
"We've seen large language models do great things for business, but we also saw some very dark things last year where they became suicide coaches for kids," Benioff said. "Every company has to get to another level of safety and standards."
San Francisco Investment
Benioff said Salesforce has invested nearly $10 million in San Francisco since Mayor Daniel Lurie took office, focusing on automation, police hiring, and public safety.
Learn more about Generative AI and LLM technology and AI Agents & Automation in professional settings.
Your membership also unlocks:
