(qlmbusinessnews.com Fri. 9th Aug, 2024) London, UK —
The Future of Instruction Manuals: Could AI Replace the Need to Read?
When you purchase a new electronic device, how often do you actually consult the instruction manual? If your answer is “hardly ever,” you’re in good company. Studies reveal that a significant number of us skip reading the user guide altogether, with a UK survey indicating that one in five people do so, and a US report suggesting the figure could be as high as 50%.
Caspar Herzberg, CEO of UK-based industrial software firm Aveva, admits to enjoying a good instruction manual but acknowledges that many people prefer to stash them away, never to be read. While this habit might be harmless for the average consumer, it’s a different story in the industrial sector, where engineers need to understand every detail of the machinery or systems they manage—especially when problems arise that require swift resolution.
To assist these workers, Aveva has introduced an AI system capable of reading and comprehending operating manuals. This technology, in its initial phase, has already memorised the technical manuals for power grids and wind turbines managed by Aveva's parent company, Schneider Electric. The AI continuously monitors machinery through thousands of sensors, allowing it to replicate the expertise of seasoned engineers with decades of experience.
AI as the New Expert
How exactly can this AI support energy sector workers in diagnosing issues? Simon Bennett, Aveva’s Head of AI Innovation, explains that the AI can quickly identify a power failure, for instance, by diving into a comprehensive PDF manual. The AI then presents multiple potential causes of the problem via a computer interface. Additionally, it can generate 3D images of affected equipment, such as turbines, which engineers find particularly useful for visualising issues.
Aveva has branded this technology as its “industrial AI assistant,” designed to address a growing problem: an ageing workforce that is retiring and taking decades of knowledge with them. Herzberg explains that for newcomers, the AI serves as a guide, effectively “reading the manual for you.” Bennett adds, “By asking smart questions of the AI system, we won't need to wake up retired engineers in the middle of the night for advice.”
Creating AI-Powered Manuals
While Aveva's AI is focused on reading and interpreting existing manuals, other tech firms are developing AI systems to create these guides from scratch. For example, California-based Dozuki has developed CreatorPro, an AI-powered tool that generates user manuals based on videos of engineers demonstrating a process. The AI selects the text for each step and can even translate it into different languages.
Although these AI-generated manuals are still reviewed by humans before being finalised, the technology aims to support industries facing the same challenge as Aveva: an ageing workforce. Thai petrochemical company SCG Chemicals, set to adopt Aveva’s AI, acknowledges that many of its experienced engineers will retire within the next five years. The company’s divisional director, Warit Krittaphol, notes, “We have over 14 million documents in our system. AI will be able to retrieve the right information quickly.”
Another California-based company, Scribe, offers a similar solution, automatically creating step-by-step guides based on a user’s actions on their computer. Scribe CEO Jennifer Swift explains, “You simply hit the record button, go through your usual process, and the AI generates a detailed guide complete with screenshots and instructions.”
The Human Element
Stuart Duff, a UK business psychologist specialising in workplace behaviour, believes that even the most skilled engineers can benefit from AI. He notes that while engineers are generally more accustomed to consulting detailed manuals, personality traits also influence how they use these resources. “Some engineers are big-picture thinkers and may rely on others for specific details. AI could provide essential information with easy and efficient access,” he says.
As AI continues to evolve, the days of flipping through instruction manuals might be numbered, with AI stepping in to offer faster, more efficient solutions.
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