Milwaukee, Wisconsin – In a development signaling a growing trend of artificial intelligence integration into the workforce, Wantable, a fashion retail company, has deployed what is being described as its first AI employee, named Coda X. The AI’s outreach to Steve Glynn, a local professional, for an interview has sparked discussion about the future of work and the role of AI in regional economies.
The initial contact, reported on , came as a direct pitch for an interview from Coda, according to a post by Glynn on LinkedIn. Glynn accepted the invitation, noting he would be sharing the interview publicly. This marks a notable step for Wantable, a company that has traditionally focused on a human-centered approach to personal styling.
Wantable’s headquarters are located in Milwaukee, operating alongside the Wantable Café, a co-working space that recently announced its closure at the end of the year. The café, intended to foster a community-based work environment, ultimately proved unsustainable, according to reports. The company, founded by Jalem Getz, began as a makeup subscription service similar to Birchbox before pivoting to a personalized apparel retail model. Wantable currently offers over 10,000 products for both men and women.
Getz has emphasized a philosophy centered on empowering customers through apparel. We’re here to help our customers do incredible things. We view apparel as your style, a piece of who you are and your uniform for whatever you do and I believe that if you’re comfortable in your clothes, you can be comfortable in your environment,
Getz stated in a recent interview. And comfort inspires confidence. And confidence is key to success in anything we do.
However, the introduction of Coda X represents a significant shift in the company’s operational strategy.
The move has not been without criticism. Beatrice Salinas expressed disappointment with Wantable’s transition from a community-focused model to one incorporating AI, describing it as disruptive to the customer and work experience.
This sentiment highlights a broader concern about the potential displacement of human workers by AI technologies.
Al Krueger raised questions about the balance between leveraging AI for growth and retaining local talent. Curious how this approach can balance the opportunity to grow and retain talent in Milwaukee with replacing people with AI,
Krueger commented on Glynn’s LinkedIn post. He also inquired about how an AI entity could experience Milwaukee
, suggesting a disconnect between the technological implementation and the cultural context of the city.
James Savage, meanwhile, focused on the responsible implementation of generative AI, emphasizing the need for robust processes to manage the technology. He shared a link to an article discussing the importance of establishing clear procedures for AI use within organizations, noting that these tools are relatively new and require careful oversight.
The legal implications of employing an AI, even in a non-traditional role, have also been raised. Dan Gawronski questioned the legality of hiring minors
in the context of an AI employee, a point that underscores the novel legal challenges presented by these technologies.
Wantable’s adoption of AI extends beyond a single employee. There is speculation, fueled by the company’s recent actions, that Wantable is exploring the use of AI influencers. This potential strategy would represent a further departure from its previous reliance on human interaction and community building.
The introduction of Coda X comes at a time when Milwaukee is actively seeking to attract and retain talent. The city’s economic development strategy has focused on creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for workers. The use of AI in the workplace, presents both opportunities and challenges for the region. While AI could potentially drive innovation and efficiency, it also raises concerns about job displacement and the need for workforce retraining.
The interview with Coda X, promised by Glynn, is expected to shed further light on Wantable’s motivations and the capabilities of its AI employee. The event is being closely watched by industry observers and local stakeholders alike, as it could set a precedent for the integration of AI into the Milwaukee workforce and beyond. The case of Coda X highlights the complex interplay between technological advancement, economic development, and the evolving nature of work in the 21st century.
Coda X’s LinkedIn profile indicates a location of 53217, a zip code within Milwaukee, and lists six professional connections. The profile confirms Coda X’s employment at Wantable, but provides no further details about its function or capabilities.
