Generative AI is a game-changer, with many opportunities for use in areas such as content creation and product design. Innovation has already been unlocked with generative AI tools such as Autodesk’s Fusion 360. But, while it has created excitement, it has also raised some questions and concerns about its potential misuse.
Most notably, some worry such tools may be used to generate “fake news” or pseudo-scientific information, creating unreliable data that circumvents traditional ways of vetting and publishing written content. To understand how generative AI can be valuable, it’s helpful to see the distinction between tools like ChatGPT verses tools designed for specific use cases or industries.
ChatGPT relies on language libraries which contain vast amounts of data, including naturally occurring parts of the web which are unfortunately often misinformed or simply wrong. More specialize tools, such as those used in product design, engineering, and industrial automation, access datasets from highly vetted documents. By having access to a quality library of information, generative AI can create answers which accurately address complex situations.
The benefits of generative AI have unlocked pathways for innovation in a number of fields, such as architecture and engineering (A&E) and product design. Its use in the medical and scientific fields may be more limited, as careful consideration must be given to patient privacy and data security–but its applications in the construction industry are becoming increasingly apparent. As quality datasets become more accessible, generative AI can become an integral part of this digitally driven world, allowing builders and developers to optimize current and future projects using the knowledge previously gained.
René Morkos is the founder of ALICE Technologies and an adjunct professor in Stanford University’s construction engineering PhD program. He has long been pushing for the advancement of generative AI and machine learning tools, and his work is a testament to the potential of these technologies. He foresaw the revolution of machine-driven design, and as the industry continues evolve, so will the use and understanding of generative AI.
