Supporting operators with AI chatbots: consider these risks
Manufacturing companies are experimenting extensively with AI chatbots for operator support during malfunctions.
A digital assistant that immediately provides the correct instructions sounds ideal.
However, it is not as simple as it seems, and there are significant risks involved.
The great power of AI
An increasing number of organizations are deploying chatbots to support operators. You upload all available documents, procedures, and instructions into the AI tool, and operators simply ask questions when they need assistance. The chatbot then functions as an omniscient colleague who always provides exactly the right advice. At least, if everything goes perfectly…
The risks of AI
AI support shows great promise, but it is far from flawless. In a factory setting, errors can have significant consequences. Therefore, answer these crucial questions before you begin:
- How do operators formulate the correct question (prompt) when they need help?
- Are different terms used for the same concept within the organization (and therefore the documentation)?
- How do you verify that the answer is suitable for this specific situation?
- Are the source documents up to date, and who is responsible for keeping them current?
- Who bears responsibility in the event of errors? “The chatbot told me to do this…”
By answering these questions thoroughly, you can better manage the risks of AI in a factory environment.
The bridge between AI and experiential knowledge
Provided the risks are mitigated, AI offers an excellent way to make available information and procedures more accessible. However, there is still no access to knowledge that exists only in people’s minds. ELICIT Online forms an essential bridge here, allowing AI to also access the profound experiential knowledge residing in the minds of your experts. As a result, your operators always have all the knowledge about their machines at their fingertips, enabling rapid diagnosis, problem-solving, and proactive process control.
Share your thoughts with us!
At ELICIT, we are actively exploring the possibilities of AI applications, both internally and for our clients. Do you have questions or ideas regarding the application of AI within factories? We would be happy to discuss them! Contact us at w.schotborgh@elicitonline.com.