How AI is transforming the engineering profession

The rapid spread of generative artificial intelligence has sparked diverse discussions about the profound changes in numerous industries. The engineering profession, in particular, is facing a transformation: engineers, whose work has traditionally been characterized by precise manual designs, detailed calculations, and analytical thinking, are now confronted with technologies that can automate essential parts of their work.

To gain a better understanding of the impact of these developments on the engineering profession, the VDI/VDE Society for Measurement and Automation Technology (GMA) has initiated a comprehensive study. A key finding: 24 percent of the engineers surveyed expect a significant change in their daily work due to AI.

"Generative AI shows its potential in engineering in various fields of activity, from automated text generation to the optimization of technical designs to support in software development, offering tools that can increase efficiency and precision in work processes. These developments mark only the beginning of a profound transformation," explains Prof. Dr. Alexander Fay, board member of the GMA and professor at Ruhr University Bochum.

• VDI study: insights and demands

  • Rethinking engineering work: The VDI recommends a targeted and responsible integration of generative AI into daily engineering practice. AI should support - not replace. Humans remain the decisive instance. For AI to become a real asset in the professional field, clear rules, quality standards, and a conscious distribution of roles are needed.
  • AI competence becomes a key qualification: The handling of generative AI must become an integral part of engineering education. Only if aspiring engineers learn to use AI sensibly and critically will the profession remain viable for the future. New offerings are also needed in further education - practical, technically sound, and ethically reflected.
  • Secure data spaces instead of risk platforms: The study emphasizes regulation and security as prerequisites for responsible AI use. Dr.-Ing. Christine Maul, GMA chairwoman and team leader of advanced process control at Covestro, emphasizes: “Generative AI must not become a risk for innovations and trade secrets. The VDI strongly advises against processing sensitive technical data via open platforms. Instead, protected, internal company AI solutions with clear data protection guidelines are needed. This provides security in handling the tools and opens up room for maneuver to quickly respond to new AI trends according to coordinated company processes.”