One of the most pressing challenges industries face today is a shortage of skilled workers. According to an Accenture report for the chemical industry, GenAI solutions are already helping businesses bridge this gap. AI is amplifying human potential, allowing experienced employees to extend their expertise, while less experienced workers can quickly acquire essential operational knowledge. This dynamic is crucial as industries continue to face an aging workforce and a decreasing interest from younger generations in pursuing engineering careers.

At the same time, industries around the world are feeling the effects of this skills shortage. According to EngineeringUK, in the UK alone, more than 200,000 engineering roles need to be filled each year to keep up with infrastructure demands and industrial projects. This issue is global, with countries across the world facing similar challenges. If it goes unaddressed, this shortage could impact everything from economic growth to technological innovation, slowing down progress in vital sectors like energy and manufacturing.

By augmenting the capabilities of the workforce, AI helps bridge the knowledge gap, enabling engineers to solve problems more effectively and make smarter decisions faster. This ensures that industries remain productive and innovative, even as they contend with a shrinking talent pool.

The importance of equipping the next generation of engineers with digital and AI skills cannot be overstated. By having access to ABB’s best digital and AI technologies, students at Imperial College London are gaining first-hand experience with the tools they will need to succeed in an increasingly automated and AI-driven world.

As part of this effort, students have been working with ABB’s latest GenAI solution, My Measurement Assistant+. This innovative solution, designed specifically for industrial measurement devices, provides real-time support to engineers and maintenance teams. It uses cloud computing, Augmented Reality (AR), and AI to provide a single access point for information retrieval, diagnostics and remote support. For example, a maintenance manager using the platform can quickly assess device health, access manuals, error codes and spare part information, ensuring that operations continue without interruption. This is a prime example of how AI can simplify complex tasks, turning them into clear, actionable steps for engineers.

My Measurement Assistant+ is integrated with ABB Ability™ Genix Copilot, a GenAI solution developed by ABB in collaboration with Microsoft to help industrial companies improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability by contextualizing vast amounts of data.

“Ultimately, the key to success in the digital future lies in combining AI with technical expertise and human intelligence,” Lincoln said. “As AI continues to transform industries, it’s crucial that young engineers acquire the digital skills necessary to navigate this new landscape. At ABB, we’re committed to supporting this shift through our technologies, partnerships, and educational initiatives. AI will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of industrial operations, and we have everything to gain by empowering young engineers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.”