Trust But Verify: Using AI for Engineering References

Trusting AI in engineering isn’t just about speed — it’s about accuracy. When projects are on the line, can AI truly deliver the right formulas, backed by real sources?

Key Strengths and FeaturesTesting AI’s Retrieval Accuracy

Recently, we tested ChatGPT 4o’s capability to retrieve a highly specific engineering formula — the Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHA) for centrifugal pumps — directly from a professional engineering reference.\

Key strengths observed:

• Accuracy: ChatGPT 4o accurately found the formula and provided the correct section and page citation.

• Speed: The retrieval was completed in seconds, reducing traditional manual lookup times drastically.

• Structured Output: The information was well-organized, presenting both design and troubleshooting cases clearly.

• Efficiency for Engineers: Tools like this can dramatically speed up the early stages of design work, QA/QC checks, and technical reviews.

By integrating AI search capabilities, engineering teams can streamline document-heavy tasks and reallocate time toward more critical analysis and verification.

Limitations and RisksWhere AI Needs Human Backup:Despite its strengths, AI still has operational constraints:

• Document Dependence: If the source material is poorly scanned, misformatted, or missing, AI can produce incomplete or erroneous outputs.

• Surface-Level Reading: AI does not yet deeply understand technical content the way a human engineer does; it matches patterns but cannot reason contextually like an experienced professional.

• Verification Required: Engineers must cross-verify any AI-generated information to avoid critical errors in deliverables.

Related resource: The Critical Role of Human Verification in AI-Assisted Engineering Workflows

These realities mean AI should act as an accelerator, not a replacement for professional judgment.

AI tools like ChatGPT 4o can significantly enhance engineering workflows — but only if engineers lead with careful verification. Ready to integrate AI into your engineering toolkit?Advance your AI skills with our Udemy course — Singularity AI for Engineers.