AI Boosts Productivity for Australian Engineers, Survey Finds
A majority of Australian engineers believe artificial intelligence (AI) is having its biggest impact through improved productivity and efficiency, according to a new industry survey by Engineers Australia.
The survey found that 67 per cent of respondents identified productivity and efficiency as the most significant impact of AI on engineering. A further four per cent said AI was playing a significant role in driving innovation.
However, concerns about the technology remain. Twenty-two per cent of respondents identified job disruption as the primary impact of AI, while seven per cent pointed to security issues as their main concern.
Engineers Australia National President and Board Chair Tom Goerke said AI could assist engineers with everyday tasks, streamline processes and allow more time to focus on complex work.
“The fact that productivity and efficiency benefits for the profession were identified as the most significant impacts of AI underlines the potential of these technologies to support engineers in delivering better outcomes for Australian industries, communities and the economy,” Mr Goerke said.
Engineers Australia research shows that around 56 per cent of engineering workplaces have integrated traditional AI technologies, including machine learning and predictive data analytics. Meanwhile, 43 per cent of engineers reported using generative AI in their work.
Mr Goerke said engineering expertise would remain essential as Australia’s adoption of AI accelerates.
He said engineers needed to be involved in the design, implementation and governance of AI technologies to ensure they were used responsibly and effectively.
“AI is not a replacement for engineering expertise, judgement or accountability,” Mr Goerke said.
“The most successful applications will be those that combine the power of technology with the critical thinking, technical skills, and professional responsibility that engineers bring to solving society’s biggest challenges.”
Engineers Australia has also welcomed the Federal Government’s new national framework for AI and called for engineering perspectives to be included in the development of future AI policies.
The organisation says engineers have an important role to play in ensuring AI technologies deliver practical benefits while maintaining safety, accountability and professional standards across Australian industries.
Source:Engineers Australia
