Big Changes Ahead – AI and the Future of Engineering
Artificial intelligence is shaking things up, and it’s not just a passing fad. It’s changing everything – from how we work to how we solve problems. We had a chat with Markus-Christian Eberl, CEO of Porsche Engineering, and Dr. Matthias Peissner from the Fraunhofer Institute, about what AI means for the future of engineering and how Porsche is already using it.
AI – Just Hype or the Real Deal?
There’s been loads of talk about AI, especially since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in 2022. But is it really going to change the world?
Dr. Matthias Peissner thinks so. “AI is already doing things we never thought possible. Just think about how many things in life rely on human intelligence right now. Now imagine AI stepping in, sometimes even doing it better. It’s a game-changer.”
Markus-Christian Eberl agrees, but takes it even further. “If you look at history, we’ve spent thousands of years improving machines to take over physical work – from water mills to steam engines. Now we’re doing the same with intelligence. That’s massive.”
A New Kind of Industrial Revolution?
Peissner reckons AI isn’t just making things faster and more efficient – it could actually help tackle big global challenges, like staff shortages, energy use, and sustainability.
Eberl thinks the shift is just as big as the industrial revolution. “AI is going to speed things up, cut costs, and improve quality. It means we can work faster, smarter, and better.”
How’s Porsche Using AI Right Now?
Porsche Engineering is already putting AI to good use. A great example is automated driving. Self-driving systems don’t just need to handle everyday traffic – they need to spot the weird, unexpected stuff too. Imagine a cow in full festival gear walking across the road. Rare, but it happens. AI helps find these ‘needle in a haystack’ moments from countless hours of driving footage, making sure self-driving cars react properly.
AI is also helping with coding. Instead of engineers writing every line, AI can generate high-quality code for basic tasks, leaving the experts to fine-tune and perfect it.
Can AI Be Trusted in Engineering?
AI isn’t always predictable – and that’s a challenge. In traditional engineering, everything follows set rules and formulas. But AI works by learning from mountains of data, which means it doesn’t always behave in ways we fully understand.
Peissner says this is where ‘explainable AI’ comes in – systems that show how they reach decisions, so engineers can trust the results. “We need to make sure AI remains transparent. If we don’t understand how it works, it’s no good to us.”
Eberl adds that AI is freeing up human minds. “AI takes care of the boring stuff – like crunching data – so people can focus on creativity and innovation.”
Getting Ready for an AI-Powered Future
To make the most of AI, companies need to get everyone on board. Eberl believes in what he calls ‘democratising AI’. “Everyone in the company needs to see the opportunities AI offers, not just the tech teams.” That’s why Porsche Engineering has set up a dedicated AI unit to drive innovation and get everyone involved.
Where Does Europe Stand in the AI Race?
Compared to places like the US and China, Europe tends to be more cautious with AI. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though. Peissner points out that while the US is leading the charge in private AI investment, Germany is still strong in research and smart problem-solving. “AI isn’t about who invents it first – it’s about who uses it best.”
Eberl thinks that as AI keeps evolving, we’ll see changes we can’t even imagine yet. “When people first discovered electricity, they had no idea what it would lead to. AI is the same – it’s only just getting started.”
What About Super AI?
Could AI become smarter than us? Maybe. Peissner believes we’ll soon see AI that surpasses human intelligence in certain areas. The real challenge will be making sure that AI benefits everyone, not just a select few. “The future of AI shouldn’t be something that only experts understand. It needs to work for all of us.”
One thing’s for sure – AI is here to stay, and it’s going to change how we think, work, and create. At Porsche Engineering, they’re not just watching the revolution – they’re driving it forward.