You can be excused for thinking that 2023 is in an AI frenzy. The launch of ChatGPT has turned all our attention to Artificial Intelligence and brought its capabilities into sharp focus. The last tech frenzy like this was the launch of the first iPhone in 2007. So, just like smartphones, it’s easy to predict that AI will continue to surprise us in the coming years. It’s developing at a rapid pace.
The implementation of AI technology is impacting the field of engineering. The industry has been a leading developer and adapter of AI-related technology for many years. Currently, the sector is among several experiencing disruption and transformation due to the emergence of AI applications of the next generation.
Current disruptions offer a chance for individuals skilled in utilising innovative tools. AI provides excellent opportunities for mechanical engineering, enabling engineers to tailor designs to the complex industrial needs of customers.
What is AI?
Based on what John McCarthy said, it is the science and engineering of making intelligent tools and brilliant computer programs. Artificial Intelligence uses computers and other devices to mimic how the human mind solves problems and makes decisions.
Artificial Intelligence is (at its most basic) a subject that uses computer science and large data sets to help solve problems. It also includes machine learning and deep learning subfields often mentioned in the same sentence as AI. These fields use AI methods to make expert systems to guess or group data based on their knowledge.
Today a lot of government bodies and private companies are interested in AI. NASA’s AI Group for example does basic studies in AI fields that can be used in many areas. These areas are science analysis spaceship operations mission analysis and space transportation systems.
How Is AI Used in Mechanical Engineering?
AI has become increasingly popular in recent years because of its technological advancements and ability to process vast amounts of data.
Today mechanical engineering encounters various challenges including creating sustainable and energy-efficient systems and components for our future. Integrating cutting-edge technologies into engineers’ blueprints can enhance the field of mechanical engineering.
To design mechanical components one must first analyse the component’s function and performance requirements. After that, the materials and manufacturing methods must be determined. Finally, detailed drawings and specifications are created to manufacture the component.
AI and Machine Learning for Engineering Simulations
Artificial Intelligence refers to programs that can solve real-world problems and perform tasks without explicit programming. Machine Learning enables AI to make decisions, take action and adjust its approach based on the results of those decisions.
Engineering simulation enthusiasts are currently interested in machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. These programs can assist with conceptual and detailed design analysis and optimization. The number of examples of AI and ML in mechanical engineering is increasing by the day.
Ansys, one of the leading simulation software providers, employs AI/ML techniques to automatically identify simulation settings that optimize runtime and precision. To aid engineers in swiftly locating the optimal design space based on hundreds of characteristics guiding their early product optimization efforts.
Ways to Employ AI for Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering can benefit from AI in numerous ways, as follows.
Optimizing Design
Mechanical engineers can utilize AI to enhance their designs by implementing sophisticated algorithms and machine learning techniques. AI can automate the exploration of different design configurations and parameters.
Previously engineers would manually make trade-offs to accomplish this task. AI enables design engineers to expand their design possibilities. The Ansys Topology Optimization tool serves as a prime illustration.
Intelligent Automation
We often encounter numerous repetitive tasks and calculations in our everyday lives. Excel has always been a helpful tool for creating quick calculations. AI can now perform repetitive tasks such as making calculations or generating CAD models for engineers.
Predictive Maintenance
AI has the potential to impact this capability significantly. AI systems can rapidly process data and acquire knowledge from it as we know.
Predictive maintenance techniques aim to assess the state of the equipment currently in use to predict when maintenance will be required. Artificial Intelligence can identify patterns and irregularities that may suggest the possibility of malfunctions.
Simulation and Virtual Prototyping
Using AI-powered simulations can be a time and resource-efficient approach to product development. This speeds up the design process by allowing quick iterations and optimizations.
Improving the Process of Making Decisions
As previously stated AI excels at handling vast quantities of data.
AI algorithms can offer engineers valuable insights by analyzing vast amounts of data. These observations can help identify patterns improve procedures and make knowledgeable choices about product development production and resource distribution.
And of course, what everyone already knows (and fears!) is that Artificial Intelligence will replace human labour. The question is whether that is a bad thing, given it could also be a solution to current resource shortages.
Future of Mechanical Engineering With AI
AI tools can assist an experienced engineer in creating a precise design for a customer’s needs based on their requirements. As previously stated AI enables the exploration of a broader range of designs and concepts. Quick design and analysis lead to high-quality efficient and cost-effective solutions.
We asked ChatGPT for its opinion on the future of mechanical engineering concerning AI. Here’s the response we got:
“Hello! I’m glad to help you with your article on the future of mechanical engineering with AI. AI has the potential to impact and assist mechanical engineers in various ways significantly….
It’s essential to recognize that while AI offers numerous benefits human expertise and creativity remain crucial in mechanical engineering. AI should be seen as a tool that complements and enhances the capabilities of engineers empowering them to solve complex problems and drive innovation in the future of mechanical engineering.”
Conclusion
Engineering has a long history of creating novel apparatuses. CAD software and FEA analysis become increasingly commonplace. Ultimately these innovations were fantastic resources for competent engineers but were not a replacement for human creativity. With great tools like AI, mechanical engineering can reach more design options and solutions.
In closing, adding AI to current mechanical engineering practices will help open doors. Engineers who know how to use AI can go further and do it faster. In the future, perfectly customised designs will be created with the assistance of AI by maximising efficiency and creativity. AI, along with human imagination, could help us come up with novel concepts.