The world of manufacturing is buzzing with AI, and the right tools can act as your "very smart intern" – with a touch of humor and caution, of course. Let's explore some common AI tools making waves.
ChatGPT from OpenAI and Gemini (especially in Google Workspace) are excellent generalists. They shine at daily tasks like drafting emails, overcoming writer's block, or acting as a "brain" to recall and build information. For vast data analysis, they process quickly, revealing patterns humans might miss, like machine calibration issues or shipment delays. Like spreadsheets revolutionized number crunching, AI tools are doing the same for data optimization.
However, there’s a critical caveat: data security and privacy. Uploading confidential data to models like ChatGPT means it could be sent to external servers and potentially used for future training, risking NDA breaches. Kin Leong calls this a "scary thing". While Gemini Pro is "pretty good," safer options like local Anthropic Cloud models exist.
For targeted research, Google’s NotebookLM is a standout. Designed as a research tool, it requires you to upload your own reference sources – documents, PDFs, or clipped websites. You then query the AI only based on your provided information. This ensures the AI's focus remains within your specified data, like an intern diligently working only with company-approved materials. It's ideal for converting your data into actionable insights, but remember the "garbage in, garbage out" rule: clean, high-quality data is essential.
Got an AI giving you weird outputs (like reading color codes as text)? Don't fret! As Arek learned from Kin, sometimes the simplest trick is to ask another LLM to craft a better prompt. This recursive magic can turn frustration into "very beautiful" results. Always assign the AI a clear "role" and encourage it to ask clarifying questions.
In essence, AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and NotebookLM are not magic bullets but potent assistants. When paired with clear processes and quality data, they can revolutionize manufacturing. Organizations not adopting AI risk falling behind, so embrace your digital interns – but always double-check their work!