I believe that AI has become an integral part of everyday life, especially in the field of engineering. Many AI tools have been developed specifically for engineering purposes, making tasks more efficient and accessible. For example, there are now AI applications where you can input the specific dimensions of a part you want to design, and the AI will generate a SolidWorks file ready for manufacturing. I see AI as a valuable assistant that helps minimize repetitive or time-consuming tasks for engineers, such as performing complex calculations or drafting designs, allowing us to focus more on innovation and problem-solving.

 

This is what AI thinks “AI is already making a significant impact in mechanical engineering and will likely play an even bigger role in the near future. Currently, AI is used for tasks like predictive maintenance, where it analyzes data from machines to anticipate failures before they happen, reducing downtime and costs. It’s also being used in design optimization, helping engineers create more efficient and innovative products by quickly evaluating countless design possibilities. In the near future, I think AI will become even more integrated into areas like automated manufacturing, quality control, and even real-time process adjustments, making engineering workflows faster, smarter, and more reliable.”

 

After interviewing Dr. Ashraf about how AI will impact mechanical engineering, he offered a thoughtful perspective by comparing it to the rise of the internet. He recalled that when the internet first became widespread, many people assumed schools would become unnecessary, since all knowledge would be available online. Over time, however, it became clear that education and human guidance were still vital. Dr. Ashraf believes the same is true for AI in engineering: while AI will certainly help automate and simplify many tasks, it will not replace engineers entirely. He encourages students and professionals to experiment with AI and see how it responds to different challenges, but he also stresses the importance of not becoming overly dependent on it. In his view, AI should be used as a helpful tool to support and enhance the work of engineers, rather than as a complete replacement for human skills and judgment.

I recently had the opportunity to attend an alumni meeting for mechanical engineers, where Abdulla Salam, the CEO of Madenit Masr and a proud graduate of AUC’s mechanical engineering program, was a featured guest speaker. After his insightful talk, I managed to have a brief conversation with him about the impact of AI in today’s workplace. Abdulla spoke passionately about his appreciation for AI, highlighting its incredible ability to provide instant access to a vast range of information. He shared a personal story about encountering a complex legal issue-initially overwhelmed by the paperwork, he turned to AI for help and was able to quickly understand everything he needed. Abdulla emphasized that while AI is an invaluable tool that can simplify and enhance our lives, it’s important not to become overly dependent on it. His advice was to use AI intelligently and thoughtfully, leveraging its strengths to our advantage while still relying on our own judgment and expertise.
I can’t help but feel a bit uneasy about the possibility of becoming too reliant on AI, potentially losing some of the hands-on skills and critical thinking that are so important in engineering