Honeywell and Caterpillar CTOs: How AI Can Bridge Labor and Skills Gaps in Manufacturing

Honeywell, Caterpillar CTOs Say AI Can Ease Labor, Skills Gaps in Manufacturing At the Fortune Brainstorm Tech 2025 conference in Park City, Utah, Honeywell Connected Enterprise Chief Technology Officer and President Suresh Venkatarayalu and Caterpillar Chief Technology Officer Jaime Mineart discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to alleviate labor and skills gaps in manufacturing. According to Venkatarayalu, 20% of Honeywell's software code is now written by GitHub Copilot and other AI-assistant coding tools. However, this does not mean that the company has reduced its workforce by 20%. Instead, it has led to a shift in developer skill sets, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. "We're not replacing developers with AI," Venkatarayalu said at the conference. "We're augmenting their capabilities so they can do more complex work." Mineart echoed this sentiment, stating that AI is being used to automate routine and repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on higher-value activities such as innovation and problem-solving. The use of AI in manufacturing is a growing trend, with many companies seeking to leverage its potential to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. However, it also raises concerns about job displacement and the need for workers to develop new skills. Background ---------- The labor market has been facing significant challenges in recent years, including a shortage of skilled workers and an aging workforce. The manufacturing sector is particularly affected, with many companies struggling to find qualified candidates for open positions. AI has emerged as a potential solution to these challenges, offering the ability to automate routine tasks and free up human workers to focus on more complex activities. However, its implementation also raises questions about job displacement and the need for workers to develop new skills. Additional Perspectives ---------------------- While AI may be able to alleviate labor and skills gaps in manufacturing, it is not a silver bullet solution. Many experts argue that it will require significant investment in education and training programs to ensure that workers have the necessary skills to work alongside AI systems. "The key is to create an ecosystem where humans and machines can collaborate effectively," said Dr. Fei-Fei Li, Director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL). "This requires a fundamental shift in how we approach education and workforce development." Current Status and Next Developments -------------------------------------- As companies continue to explore the potential of AI in manufacturing, it is clear that its impact will be far-reaching. While it may alleviate labor and skills gaps in the short term, it also raises important questions about job displacement and the need for workers to develop new skills. In the coming years, we can expect to see increased investment in education and training programs aimed at preparing workers for a world where AI is increasingly prevalent. We will also continue to see advancements in AI technology itself, with researchers working on more sophisticated systems that can learn from experience and adapt to changing circumstances. Ultimately, the successful integration of AI into manufacturing will require a collaborative effort between industry leaders, policymakers, and educators. By working together, we can create an ecosystem where humans and machines can collaborate effectively, driving innovation and growth in the sector. *Reporting by Fortune.*