AI Is Changing Engineering, but Human Judgement Remains Critical, Technology Leaders Say

Ridhima Sawant, Tejesh Kodali and Joseph Sudheer Reddy Thumma highlight continuous learning, responsible AI and applied innovation ahead of National Engineers’ Day

As India prepares to mark National Engineers’ Day on September 15, technology leaders are highlighting how artificial intelligence, deep tech and automation are changing the role of engineers while increasing the importance of human judgement and continuous learning.
Leaders from Orient Technologies Limited, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited and Magellanic Cloud Limited shared their perspectives on the skills engineers will need as emerging technologies become increasingly integrated into businesses and industries.
Ridhima Sawant, Chief Transformation Officer, Orient Technologies Limited, said engineering has consistently been associated with expanding technological possibilities, from infrastructure to AI, cybersecurity and deep tech.

“In an AI-driven world, technology can solve known problems faster than ever. But lasting impact will come from engineers who know which problems are worth solving, challenge assumptions and apply technology with judgement and purpose. AI can accelerate what we build, but human judgement will continue to define why we build it and the value it creates,” Sawant said.
She also pointed to curiosity, continuous learning and experimentation as important qualities for the next generation of engineers.
“The future of engineering will not be defined only by how quickly we adopt technology, but by how thoughtfully we use it to solve problems that matter,” she added.

Tejesh Kodali, Group Chairman, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited, said the growing capabilities of AI are shifting the engineer’s role towards deciding what should be built, assessing technological outputs and taking responsibility for outcomes.
“Artificial intelligence now writes code, designs circuits and drafts contracts. That does not make the engineer obsolete. It makes the engineer indispensable, because someone must decide what problem is worth solving, judge whether the answer is right, and take responsibility for the outcome,” Kodali said.
He said choosing, judging and taking responsibility cannot simply be handed over to machines.
“My message to every young engineer this Engineers’ Day is simple: do not learn to compete with AI. Learn to command it,” Kodali added.

Joseph Sudheer Reddy Thumma, Chairman & Managing Director, Magellanic Cloud Limited, highlighted the role engineers play in taking emerging technologies from ideas to practical applications.
“Engineering continues to be at the heart of how new technologies move from ideas to real-world impact. On National Engineers’ Day, we recognise the contribution of engineers in advancing areas such as AI, drones, IoT and digital infrastructure, while solving increasingly complex challenges across industries,” Thumma said.
He also identified continuous learning, problem solving and applied innovation as important factors in developing technologies for changing industry requirements.

“Creating an environment that encourages continuous learning, problem-solving and applied innovation will be critical to developing resilient, future-ready technologies and strengthening the country’s broader technology ecosystem,” he added.
Across the three perspectives, a common theme emerges around the changing relationship between engineers and technology. As AI and automation take on more technical tasks, the leaders see human judgement, responsibility, learning and the ability to identify relevant problems as increasingly important parts of engineering.

At Prittle Prattle News, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.