Chatbots, virtual assistants, self-driving cars, drones and image recognition programs: Artificial intelligence has become a mainstay in our daily lives. This also holds true professionally, as the adoption of AI in businesses has more than doubled since 2017. So, what is the role of artificial intelligence in an innovative field like mechanical engineering?
In the past few years, AI has opened new avenues for efficiency and optimization in engineering, from design and simulation to optimization. Let’s look at how AI is transforming the way mechanical engineers approach their work.
AI in Design and Simulation
A car entirely designed by artificial intelligence may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but it’s a reality with the Czinger 21C hypercar, a combination of AI ingenuity and 3D-printed parts. So how exactly did AI technology accomplish this?
AI-powered tools are integrated into engineering systems and reduce reliance on human expertise while boosting accuracy. Such systems include:
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Since AI algorithms and machine learning models can analyze vast sets of data in very little time and even identify possible issues, this technology can not only create prototype designs but also suggest design changes before a mechanical system hits the production stage. This streamlines engineers’ work and allows them to focus on tasks that they may not be able to get to otherwise.
AI in Manufacturing
While AI is becoming prevalent in design and simulation, it’s also revolutionizing the manufacturing industry. Industry 4.0 – complete with smart factories, robots and automation – is reshaping manufacturing in unprecedented ways. Collaborative robots (cobots) and artificial intelligence are transforming factory floors, taking over assembling processes and executing with higher precision and less errors than ever before. In fact, a 2023 study by Forbes found that the integration of AI in manufacturing:
- increases defect detection rates by up to 90%.
- increases efficiency up to 30%.
- reduces maintenance costs by 20%.
This boosts safety and efficiency, freeing engineers to focus on more creative aspects of their work. It’s a win-win!
AI in Maintenance, Monitoring and Control
Engineers have a lot of tasks throughout the day, and untimely maintenance or downtime can get in the way of more pressing chores. AI-powered systems can monitor the performance and condition of mechanical systems and detect even a microscopic defect before it occurs. This proactive approach increases the lifespan of machines.
AI tools are also highly adaptive to changing situations and can adjust accordingly using sensor data. The electric vehicle pioneers at Tesla integrated AI that utilizes machine-learning algorithms and real-time data from camera, radar and ultrasonic sensors to navigate and learn from its environment. This allows the Tesla vehicles to autonomously navigate highways, change lanes and even successfully park themselves – mostly!
Future Prospects
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, possibly reaching human-level intelligence in the future, its widespread adoption is expected to surge. With the evolution of AI, engineers can expect to see better design and simulation tools and autonomous maintenance systems. Future mechanical engineers will need to possess a strong understanding of:
- machine learning algorithms
- neural networks
- data-driven modeling techniques
Developing and Collaborating with Intelligent Machines
Engineers will be tasked to integrate these complex AI systems into design, manufacturing and maintenance processes and foster collaboration between humans and intelligent machines. Moreover, emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR) and additive manufacturing (3D printing, for example) will further enhance what engineers can achieve.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
As big data continues to play a crucial role across industries, mechanical engineers will need to work closely with computer science and data analytics experts to pioneer AI-powered solutions. This means collaborating on extensive datasets, extracting insights and devising AI-driven solutions to address complex engineering challenges. These efforts span diverse areas like sustainable design, energy efficiency and the creation of intelligent systems for fields like robotics, transportation and infrastructure.
Embrace the AI Revolution With a Mechanical Engineering Degree
The rapid AI and big data revolution means that tomorrow’s engineers need to master the use and applications of these technologies. The University of Texas at Austin’s executive online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering can prepare students striving to enter this rapidly developing field.
Our 100% online program offers courses specifically focused on machine learning and AI applications in areas like design, manufacturing and robotics. Through hands-on projects and our cutting-edge curriculum, you’ll be able to develop proficiency in utilizing AI algorithms, neural networks and data-driven modeling techniques to solve complex mechanical engineering challenges.
Drive the future of AI innovation in mechanical engineering. Apply here!
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/07/07/artificial-intelligence-in-manufacturing-four-use-cases-you-need-to-know-in-2023
