Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies are growing rapidly, with some projections predicting that the global AI/ML market will grow by over 500% in the next five years. Ready or not, AI/ML will significantly impact technical, business and education activities for AWS, the welding industry and the entire world. The future of AI and ML presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges that require careful consideration and proactive solutions. Key issues include data privacy and security, ethical considerations, algorithmic bias and fairness, job displacement and workforce adaptation, and the need for robust governance and regulation. Speakers will address the key issues of AI/ML relevant to technical, business and educational activities using welding related examples starting with the basics. Attendees of all backgrounds and education levels will benefit from the workshop. Members of the AWS BOD, AWS Staff, AWS Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs, and AWS Section Leaders are welcome to participate.
Session Chairs: T. Lienert1, U. Duman2, K. Novak3; 1TJ Lienert Consulting, 2Meta Platforms, 3University of Maryland
1:00 PM Keynote
The Double-Edged Sword of AI: How AI is Revolutionizing Human Work and Potentially Welding Inspection: Kevin Novak1; 1University of Maryland
1:40 PM Invited
Weld In-Process Monitoring: Current Commercial State of the Art: Daniel Hartman1; 1Manufacturing Behavioral Science LLC
2:10 PM Keynote
Artificial Intelligence and Manufacturing: Exploring New Tools Together: Sudarsanam Babu1; 1University of Maryland
2:50 PM Break
3:00 PM Invited
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Parse Through Inspection and Repair Documents to Expedite Decision Making: J. Eduardo Alvarez Rocha1; Maha Al-Khalidi1; 1Syncrude, Operated by Suncor
3:30 PM Invited
It’s not about Big Data, It’s about the Right Data: Alex Kitt1; 1Edison Welding Institute
4:00 PM Invited
AI/ML for Education and Training: W. Richard Polanin1; 1WRP Associates and Illinois Central College
4:30 PM Panel Discussion