In this episode of Mind Over Machine, Mike Santora speaks with Ship & Shore Environmental President and CEO Anoosheh Oskouian about the role of human experience in engineering and manufacturing as artificial intelligence becomes more common across industries. The discussion centers on the limits of AI-driven problem solving, the importance of observation and intuition, and how real-world experience continues to shape engineering decisions. Oskouian reflects on the way engineers once approached challenges by relying on direct interaction with manufacturing environments and designing solutions based on firsthand understanding rather than automated outputs.
During the conversation, Oskouian shares an example from her career involving the design of an anti-pollution control system. After reviewing technical documentation and system requirements, her team encountered inconsistencies that could not be explained through the available data. By visiting the manufacturing facility in person, she discovered that an operator was using a chlorinated spray cleaner that had not been accounted for in the original process specifications. The observation helped identify the source of the issue and reinforced her belief that human awareness and on-site investigation remain essential parts of engineering and manufacturing operations.
Santora and Oskouian also discuss how manufacturers are balancing the growing use of AI and robotics with continued human oversight. Oskouian explains that even facilities with advanced automation still rely on operators for final inspections and decision-making. The conversation concludes with concerns about preserving practical skills, intuition, and critical thinking for future generations entering manufacturing and engineering fields.
Filed Under: AI Engineering Collective