REAL INSIGHTS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
BY MAX REID
Cutting-edge artificial intelligence has quickly found its way into much of the equipment collision repair technicians use on a daily basis, as well as the systems that help manage repair facilities.
When we see the phrase “powered by artificial intelligence” or “driven by machine-learning” on a new welder, spectrometer or estimating system, it sure does sound impressive, but how many currently working in this industry actually understand what those terms mean? With issues like vehicle data access and the right to repair movement near the top of many collision managers’ list of looming concerns, it is imperative that repairers and managers have a grasp on what sort of data is being collected within their shop, how they can use it to their benefit, and ultimately be given a seat at the table when ownership debates inevitably arise.
To that end, we reached out to our readers to get a gauge of not just how knowledgeable they are about AI on an individual level, but how supported they feel by an aftermarket industry that is loading up bodyshops with “smart” equipment en masse.
Of those who responded, which ranged from collision managers to suppliers and front-end staff, the majority of our readers said that they felt they had a reasonable understanding of the AI at work in various corners of the workplace, though opinions were split as to whether they consider AI to be a general good for the industry.
The field of AI is, by its nature, ever-evolving and holds the potential for both positive and negative industry disruption. Follow along with our survey results and get analytical about AI.
