Engineers urged to combine AI skills with human-centric abilities

Future engineers must equip themselves with both technical skills related to artificial intelligence and human-centric capabilities such as critical thinking and adaptability, said Ashish Ranjan, Chief Digital Officer at National Engineering Industries Ltd. (NBC Bearings), while addressing students at the award ceremony for Mechanical and Allied Engineering programmes at PSG College of Technology on Friday.

He said technical competencies such as machine learning, data science, and programming languages are essential for engineers today. At the same time, qualities like communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and creativity are necessary to work alongside and complement AI systems.

He noted that AI and Generative AI, though still in early stages, are rapidly accelerating innovation and enabling individuals to enhance their skills and improve efficiency. Content creators—including writers, advertisers, artists, and musicians—have already started experimenting with these tools, he said, adding that such technologies are also reshaping organisational operations and engagement strategies.

He concluded that in a changing global economy driven by digital technologies, future competition may take the form of “AI Nationalism”, where those with the most efficient and powerful algorithms—whether individuals, companies, or nations—will likely lead.

The award ceremony was held for undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Departments of Automobile Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, and Production Engineering. The event took place at the PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (PSG IMSR) Auditorium.

L. Gopalakrishnan, Managing Trustee, PSG & Sons’ Charities, presided over the function. Principal K. Prakasan delivered the welcome address.

A total of 468 students received degree certificates at the event. Gold medals were presented to the top performers from each programme.