How Is AI/Machine Learning Impacting Engineering?

Vision Systems Design’s 2024 Salary & Career survey asked readers about how technologies, especially artificial intelligence/machine learning are affecting their jobs. Based on responses to the survey, it appears that AI/machine learning not only is becoming an important addition to an engineer’s toolbox, but it is proactively used and positively embraced.

As is usually the case, there are a few caveats. Eight of 73 who responded to a question about how they are involved with AI/machine learning said they are not using AI/machine learning at all or are trying to avoid using it.

Of 102 individuals who responded to a question about “professional issues that keep you up at night," 11 (10.78%) said using AI/machine learning was such an issue. Other respondents were more specific articulating their concerns, with 11 (10.78%) saying they were greatly concerned about incorporating AI/machine learning in the job, 14 (13.73%) concerned about incorporating AI/machine learning into a product or service, and 13 (12.75%) concerned about verifying AI/machine  learning quality.

Finally, of 37 individuals who responded to a question about whether they had considered leaving engineering, seven (18.92%) said they had considered leaving engineering because they believe AI/machine learning is impinging on their job.

Nonetheless, more survey respondents seem to be either accepting of or actively embracing AI/machine learning. Of the 72 individuals who responded to a question asking what they thought of artificial intelligence/machine learning, 34 (47.22%) said that it has had a positive effect on their tools  and processes, 28 (38.89 %) said it has had a positive effect on their products, and 32 (44.44%) said AI/machine learning is a competitive advantage for them. Conversely, only seven respondents said AI/machine learning is  causing problems for their business or organization. However, 28 (22.22%) did say they believe AI/machine learning is not ready for use in their particular engineering space. Interestingly enough, while the responses seem to favor AI/machine  learning, 24 (33.33%) did say they believe it needs regulation, while seven (9.72%) said they did not believe it needs regulation.

Additionally, of 73 respondents who answered the question “How has artificial intelligence/machine learning affected your job,” 39 (39.73%) said they are using AI/machine learning in their products.

“AI/machine learning is in our core product and is the main focus of our company,” points out one respondent.

Another respondent, who works at a company that makes edge/AI cameras, says, "We use it to create content and rank, sort and nurture leads.”

A number of respondents reported using AI/machine learning directly for various functions and creations. Of 73 respondents answering a question regarding how they are using or are relating to AI/machine learning, 36 (49.32%) say they are using it to search or research information. Nineteen respondents (26.03%) say they are using it to create documents, 15 (20.03%) say they are using it to create programs, 13 (17.81%) are using it to create images, and 6 (8.22%) are using it to create videos.

Meanwhile, 11 (15.07%) said AI/machine learning does affect their business, 13 (17.81%) said it is in the office and collaboration tools their company uses, and 11 (15.07%) said it is in the design tools their company uses. Conversely, nine (12.33%) said that they do not use AI/machine learning at all, while another 24 (32.88%) said they are still evaluating it for their business, and 14 (19.18%) said they were still evaluating it for use in their products.

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