New Delhi, Mar 7: As rapid advances in artificial intelligence reshape the global technology sector, industry experts say companies focused on hardware development may be less vulnerable to disruption compared with firms centred primarily on software.
Executives and analysts say businesses involved in building physical products — particularly in sectors such as aerospace, automotive and advanced manufacturing — face a different technological landscape where AI has more limited immediate impact.
They note that designing and producing such products requires complex integration of mechanical engineering, electronics and software systems, processes that remain difficult for current AI models to fully replicate.
According to analysts, the specialised expertise required for hardware research, development and production provides a degree of stability for companies operating in these areas, even as generative AI tools rapidly transform other segments of the technology industry.
Meanwhile, ride-hailing platform Uber has announced plans to expand into India’s intercity bus ticketing market through a partnership with AbhiBus, a service owned by travel platform ixigo.
Under the arrangement, AbhiBus’ ticketing services will be integrated into the Uber app, allowing users to book intercity bus journeys directly through the platform.The move marks a shift from Uber’s traditional model of offering transport services where it maintains greater control over supply, such as on-demand car rides.
By partnering with an existing bus ticketing network, Uber is expected to gain nationwide route coverage quickly while maintaining an asset-light approach.
Industry observers say the partnership allows Uber to avoid building its own bus supply network, pricing infrastructure and operator relationships, enabling faster entry into the growing intercity travel market in India.
