Meeting the skills shortage with smart technology
Artificial intelligence in the skilled trades - at first glance, this seems contradictory. Will machines then be used as digital roofers or will ChatGPT act as the new heating installer?
It is highly unlikely that AI will take over the manual, motorized, situation-dependent work of craftsmen in the future. However, there are specific areas of practical work in which AI and robots can provide support. One example of this is the Learning Robot Grinding Technology for the Skilled Crafts (LEROSH), a German research project that aims to make robotics usable in the skilled crafts sector - particularly in grinding and polishing. The robot can take over monotonous, repetitive and dull tasks, while the human employees devote themselves to more exciting activities.
Hybrid intelligence
A keyword that is repeatedly mentioned in this context: Hybrid intelligence. It describes the cooperation and interaction between human and artificial intelligence. The term is often used where the respective strengths of humans and machines are combined to achieve better results than either could separately. Many other professional fields can benefit from hybrid intelligence. In medicine, for example, AI can assist with diagnostics, while humans make the final assessment and ethical decisions.
Relief in everyday life - where AI provides useful support
Practical applications are probably the exception in the skilled trades. On the other hand, there are a large number of bureaucratic tasks in every business. Whether it is the creation of quotations and invoices, appointment management or the documentation of work processes - the use of artificial intelligence can often save time and effort.
Chatbots and voice assistants are also increasingly being used in trade businesses. Chatbots can provide automated answers to frequently asked questions on the website or WhatsApp and relieve the burden on human service. AI assistants advise interested customers on the phone - and this is possible around the clock.
Great interest - hesitant implementation
Interest is high, but implementation is not yet widespread: in NRW, 33% of companies are already using or testing AI - two thirds not yet. The reasons for this include a lack of expertise, a lack of time and barriers to investment.
Many companies fail not because of the technology, but because they are overwhelmed by it. It is therefore advisable to start with small projects. These could be initial tests with ChatGPT for preparing quotations or AI-based tools for organizing appointments. Initiatives such as KIDiHa (KI im Digitalen Handwerk - AI in Digital Crafts), which create practical approaches with self-tests and pilot projects, also offer assistance.
We also recommend further training through the various chambers of trade or corresponding events.
Artificial intelligence is not a panacea - especially in the skilled trades - but it is an effective tool. Those who take a serious look at it can solve administrative tasks more efficiently, simplify processes, save time and costs and thus create more space for what defines the trade: creativity, precision and proximity to the customer.
