First M3GAN hit the theatres, and if a sweet child-like killer bot did not scare you enough, ChatGPT took over the headlines. Quite literally too as many articles floating around the cyber-world today were generated by the AI bot. ChatGPT even has the capability to write simple software programmes, create custom algorithms and scripts, and even provide answers to engineering calculations.

However, ChatGPT is a language model not a computational model, thus presenting limitations to its engineering capabilities. But there’s a sea of AI applications out in the world, so how much can AI do in the engineering space? Can it design the buildings of the future or predict project failures?

Here’s 3 ways AI is set to change the engineering world, so it’s about time you jump on the bot!

1. Broader space for specialist skills
   With AI handling the foundational and repetitive tasks in engineering, the need for specialist engineering knowledge to focus on value-adding activities becomes a priority.
2. Expanding opportunities with with Machine Learning
   Machine learning can detect meaningful patterns and alert engineers to deliver the precise adjustments needed. This allows engineers to better address deficits in design and operation.
3. Big Data Potential
   Big data has huge implications on the industry. It can be used to control costs, identify patterns of wastage and assess risks to prevent accidents. While there are AI systems in place that collate and make use of big data, it still requires the expertise to build and maintain the big data environment that can drive huge operational changes and processes.

The application of AI are unimaginable, but it’s still unlikely to take over your job. It’s good on projecting cost overruns, risk mitigation, project planning, and with advancement in robotic capabilities, AI can address labour shortage challenges. The thing about AI though, it is being constantly updated as technology accelerates. Staying abreast is hugely important.