What Professional Engineers Need To Know About Generative AI

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you probably know about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is being used in all sorts of industries and professions. Many people even use it for everyday tasks such as generating emails and creating shopping lists.

Generative AI is taking over many professions, so as a professional engineer, you’ll want to know how it will affect your work in the near future. AI is great for repetitive, menial tasks, allowing professional engineers to focus on creativity and ethics.

Professional engineers often use CAD tools, which tend to have generative AI functionality. AI can help with the design process. For example, designers can simply give the AI tool details about the project such as location, environment, structural requirements, and materials. It will then start to generate ideas.

A lot of being a professional engineer is project management, and AI can help in this regard as well. Routine tasks such as scheduling meetings, collating reports, and filing required documents can be automated. AI can also be used for energy efficiency. Designers have used it to improve the sustainability of construction projects and buildings. AI can be used to identify design features and materials that minimize ecological impact and emissions.

While AI is amazing in many aspects, it can’t do everything. Many parts of being a civil engineer, such as human communication skills, conflict resolution, and creativity are things that AI can’t do just yet. Engineering still needs a human touch, especially when it comes to ethics. Because of this, professional engineers need to be aware of the limits of AI. Dangers can come from AI mistakes, data inaccuracy, and bias.

We cannot delegate all the responsibility of engineering to machines, This is especially true when it comes to designing buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures that humans use. Professional engineers have a tough job in this regard, as they will still have to be ultimately accountable for safety. So engineers will need to develop the necessary skills to supervise the work of machines and make sure they are safe.

Letting AI make decisions is ultimately a question of ethics. Engineers, architects, and others with a professional license will need a grounding in the ethical implications of AI use. So while AI can be a helpful tool, it should not be relied upon to do everything.

Keep Your License With Help From a Tampa Professional Engineers Licensing Lawyer

Generative AI is becoming more popular, but those in the professional engineering field need to be aware of how it can be used appropriately. Misuse can bring about ethical issues.

A lack of ethics can bring about licensing issues. Get the help you need from a Tampa professional engineers licensing lawyer from The Law Offices of David P. Rankin, P.A. I have represented more than 100 professional engineers before the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. I will work to resolve your licensing matter as quickly as possible. Call (813) 968-6633 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/03/15/how-generative-ai-will-change-the-jobs-of-architects-and-civil-engineers/