# S4E43 Kevin Surace | How To Use AI For Engineering

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2023-11-10
- Length: 57m
- Episode: 43
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering
- Listen: https://teampipeline.us/kevin-surace-ai-in-engineering/

## Summary

Kevin Surace, an AI keynote speaker and founder of Appvance, explains that large language models are statistical tools that amplify human intelligence rather than replace it, comparing them to calculators for language. He argues that AI will increase productivity, potentially leading to shorter workweeks, and helps engineers by generating novel design ideas, writing code, and improving quality assurance through computer vision. Surace emphasizes that while AI is not yet good at designing complex machinery, it excels at processing vast amounts of technical data to suggest solutions and automate routine tasks. He advises engineers to use AI as a co-pilot for communication, coding, and creative problem-solving to overcome skill gaps and accelerate their careers.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering#t=0) Introduction: Kevin Surace and Appvance
- [1:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering#t=114) Defining AI: Statistical Models vs. Human Intelligence
- [7:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering#t=453) AI in Engineering: Design Assistance and Computer Vision
- [11:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering#t=669) The Future of Work: Productivity and the Four-Day Week
- [19:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering#t=1180) Practical Applications: Coding, Design Prompts, and Business Growth
- [29:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering#t=1793) AI as a Habit: Integration into Daily Tools and Communication
- [33:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering#t=1998) Manufacturing and Healthcare: Computer Vision and AI Accuracy
- [42:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering#t=2571) The Evolution of AI: Compute, Algorithms, and Future Risks
- [45:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering#t=2746) Personal Productivity: Keynotes, Writing, and Visuals

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Xometry (company)
- Appvance (company)
- ChatGPT (product)
- Bard (product)
- Facebook (company)
- Microsoft (company)
- Google (company)
- OpenAI (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Does a GPT future need software engineers?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-03-21-does-a-gpt-future-need-software-engineers) (Oxide and Friends)
- [S3 E5: AI in Hardware: The Future of Design, Manufacturing, and Innovation with Kristen Edwards](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2025-11-25-s3-e5-ai-in-hardware-the-future-of-design-manufacturing-and-innovation-with-kris) (The Builder Circle)
- [The AI-Empowered, Superhuman Design Engineer w/ Milan Kocic](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-09-05-the-ai-empowered-superhuman-design-engineer-w-milan-kocic) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Crossover with  Embedded AI Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-11-18-crossover-with-embedded-ai-podcast) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [IPC at Electronica 24: AI in Manufacturing, Talent and Training with John Mitchell](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-12-ipc-at-electronica-24-ai-in-manufacturing-talent-and-training-with-john-mitchell) (EMS@C-LEVEL)

## Citing this page

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