Dorsey’s Block says new AI tool handles 15% of code work

Block, formerly Square, announced its new AI coding tool, Builderbot, on May 15, 2024, which is reportedly capable of handling 15% of the company's software engineering workload. Brad Axen, head of AI capabilities at Block, described Builderbot as the "missing layer between AI coding tools and how engineering actually works at scale." This tool aims to bridge the gap between current AI coding assistants and the practical demands of large-scale software development. The company has been developing this technology internally, focusing on integrating AI into its existing engineering workflows to improve efficiency and productivity. Builderbot's capabilities are designed to automate repetitive coding tasks and assist engineers with more complex problem-solving, thereby accelerating the development lifecycle. Block's investment in AI tools like Builderbot signifies a broader trend in the financial technology sector towards leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize operational processes and drive innovation. The successful implementation of Builderbot could set a precedent for other companies seeking to integrate AI into their core engineering functions, potentially leading to significant cost savings and faster product releases.