b'26 Partner News Autumn 2022CorporateHow firms can harnessEmbrace the changeThe reality is that AI is here to stay. Companies should consider where the the power of AI toopportunities are, and plan accordingly. One of the most important changes that can be made early is training current and future workforces to be AI technology-savvy, so revolutionise engineering firms can take full advantage of engineering technologies coming to market. This will enable businesses to play their part in keeping employment strong and helping the UK continue to compete economically on a global scale, post-Brexit.By James Crouch MIET, Technology Director,Automation is playing an increasing role in infrastructure engineering projects. Burns & McDonnell Whether it is through the use of automation to assist the design process itself, or the deployment of smart equipment as part of a projects engineered solution, automation technologiesincluding AIare changing The UK is the third largest investor in artificialabout how high quality design data can beand disrupting every industry. intelligence (AI) technology development,captured in a consistent, structured manner after the US and China. According to the USacross all projects, so that the data will beAs society navigates the transition, we must International Trade Administration, the UKsreadily available for AI training when its timeremember that AI itself is not the destination, AI market is estimated to grow significantlyto take the next step. but it is the tool that gets us there.over the next decade, adding 650bn to its economy by 2035.Be ambitious Long-term seismic shifts will occur in a Theres a clear opportunity for engineeringvariety of industries as a result of AI-driven innovators and disruptors to be at therobotics and automation. AI is seen as key forefront of this growth, deliveringto the next leap forward in quality and improvements in efficiency, safety, resiliency,efficiency improvements in manufacturing, performance and sustainability.with the potential to unlock 20% more production capacity in existing semi-Engineering firms need to be familiar withautomated facilities. the many ways AI and automation can improve performance across industries. TheBy leveraging intelligent automation systems, use of AI and other advanced technologiesthose who create infrastructure have will become more urgent as industriesthe power to develop substantially more consider the complexities of next generationoptimised solutions, as well as produce infrastructure.broadly deployable standardised solutionsJames Crouch MIET, that could increase production capacity byTechnology Director, Here are three manageable actions to takean order of magnitude. Burns & McDonnell.into account when considering automation in design:Start small, but start today Begin by building an understanding of the basics of AI and machine learning, focusing particularly on neural networks (the underlying technology behind deep learning AI). Also, look for where there areThe reality is that AI is semi-recurring procedures and routine tasks in design projects, and consider if these canhere to stay. Companies be fully standardised. should consider where Its key to remember that more advancedthe opportunities are, AI often relies on reinforcement learningand plan accordingly.from input data. If an engineering firm does nothing else in the short term, think'