Toolbox of the future: women in the skilled trades learn about AI applications

Why AI in the skilled trades?
A shortage of skilled workers and increasing competitive pressure are forcing many companies to break new ground. AI offers practical support: it can help to optimize processes, automate routine tasks and reduce the workload of employees. However, despite increasing digitalization, the use of AI in the skilled trades has so far been the exception rather than the rule - and is often still associated with uncertainties. This is precisely where the workshop came in: Breaking down inhibitions, imparting knowledge and demonstrating how AI can be integrated in a meaningful and practical way.

Theory meets practical applications
The workshop consisted of a theoretical and a practical part. After an introduction to the basics of AI - What is AI? What can it do and what are its limits? - we quickly moved on to the world of applications:
It was particularly important to distinguish that AI does not think in the human sense - it has no consciousness, no emotions and no intuition of its own. Instead, AI is based on processing large amounts of data, recognizing patterns and using algorithms to make automated decisions. In addition to well-known examples such as voice assistants, facial recognition and autonomous driving, the role that AI can play in the skilled trades was also highlighted.

AI tools for everyday work
In a practice-oriented session, the participants were given an insight into various AI tools. In addition to ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, NotebookLM from Google and Deepl Write were presented. The focus was not only on the functions of the programs, but also on specific use cases:

• How can I automate emails with just a few clicks?
• How can AI help me create presentations or analyze data in Excel?
• How can AI be used to take minutes of meetings?
• Which AI-supported tools support me in production?

The focus here was on the practical benefits - how the participants can use the tools to support their daily tasks in the trade business.

Prompting: the key to efficiency
The interactive part on the topic of prompting was particularly well received by the women. The participants were able to experience live how AI responses can be significantly improved through targeted and more precise queries. From a simple recipe search to a complex analysis of funding guidelines for construction projects - the right prompt makes all the difference.

AI in the skilled trades: practical examples
Another focus was on best-practice examples from the skilled trades. The case study of Matthias Brack, an entrepreneur from the conservatory industry, who uses an AI "customer traffic light" to make his consulting more efficient, was particularly impressive. By evaluating inquiries using AI, potential customers can be better assessed and offers can be created in a more targeted manner.
The story of master baker Axel Schmitt also showed how AI can provide support in everyday life: With the help of an AI-supported shelving system, it automatically recognizes when bread rolls need to be refilled and anticipates customers' purchasing behaviour by consulting the weather forecast and the day of the week - a practical example of the combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
These concrete use cases inspired the participants to think about the use of AI in their own businesses.

Visit to the robotics and simulation laboratory
The participants then had the opportunity to visit the robotics and simulation laboratory at the Department of Human-Machine Systems Engineering. Humanoid robots were presented in the robotics lab. The women were also able to carry out a gearbox assembly with the support of augmented reality. In the simulation lab, the participants looked at a virtual workplace with the help of a four-sided projection environment, which makes it possible to walk through a virtual space in a group.

Open discussion: opportunities, risks and concerns
The final round of discussions dealt with questions that were on many people's minds: What about data protection in AI applications? What about copyright for AI-generated content? How can AI be used sensibly without becoming completely dependent on it? And how will AI affect the skilled trades in the long term?
It quickly became clear that AI is not a panacea, but it is a useful tool - if it is used correctly. After all, it can save a lot of time on office tasks, leaving more time for the actual craft.

Conclusion: AI as a practical tool
The workshop showed that AI in the skilled trades is much more than an abstract topic for the future. The participants not only took away practical instructions, but also new ideas on how they can use the tools in their own day-to-day work - whether to increase efficiency, simplify routine tasks or optimize work processes.
The event was an important step in breaking down fears and encouraging women in the skilled trades to actively engage with digital tools. Anyone who understands AI as a tool and uses it in a targeted manner will gain time, flexibility and new opportunities.