Three in 10 WA businesses have adopted or plan to use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT: CCIWA poll

Usage of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT is growing among WA businesses, with the first poll of industry revealing one in 10 have already adopted the nascent technology since its release just four months ago.

A further one in five, or 20 per cent of respondents to a recent Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA survey, say they plan to do so soon, as the war between the tech giants over AI intensifies.

Medium-sized businesses in WA are the most keen to adopt tools like ChatGPT in their processes, with transport, food services and professional services the most common industries using them to date.

The same survey showed the cost of doing business was now the largest concern for firms across the State, with many reporting higher cost pressures would be a barrier to growth.

Game City Espresso Bar owner Dharmesh Patel has enthusiastically looked to ChatGPT to grow his small business in marketing and technical support.

His CBD venue features a robotic arm to boost the time baristas can spend with customers. When the arm recently needed maintenance, Mr Patel used ChatGPT to run a script to program it.

“It was pretty mindblowing,” he said. “It was able to write the script in three hours and it worked flawlessly.

“It is a tool but because it’s a tool it’s a fantastic addition to the business. For me, it’s taken away the load for some of the things (required).”

Mr Patel said sales of a toasted sandwich had increased 10 per cent since he had ChatGPT identify better ways to re-write his menu.

“I’ll definitely keep using it, I feel like it can do a lot better with our marketing in-house,” he said, adding he would experiment with advertising posters.

The CCIWA expects further growth in artificial intelligence and use of new technologies. Apart from AI tools, the survey found two in five businesses were adopting new technology and the same proportion expected to improve their digital presence within the next year.

“Our State and our nation must continue to seek new ways to increase productivity as businesses tackle the challenge to decarbonise and technology rapidly changes the workplace,” chief economist Aaron Morey said.

“It is critical State and Federal Governments support businesses in technology adoption and in protecting their businesses from cybersecurity and data privacy risks.”