AI in Engineering: Threat, Tool, or 10x Multiplier? | Ashraf Serour

"If your job is just CAD modelling and you don't have deeper engineering knowledge, you better start learning - because in two to three years, that skill alone won't be enough."Ashraf, Design Engineering Manager at Toothsure, shares how his startup has embedded AI into their product development workflow from day one, and why he believes engineers who resist the shift are making a mistake.In this episode of the Blueprint Podcast, we cover:Why privacy concerns are a big blocker to AI adoption in engineeringThe difference between how startups and large companies are approaching AI toolsHow mapping your workflow end-to-end reveals where AI can actually helpMIT research on AI learning CAD modelling from YouTube videos (link below)Links from the show:MIT Researchhttps://news.mit.edu/2025/new-ai-agent-learns-use-cad-create-3d-objects-sketches-1119VideoCADhttps://ghadinehme.github.io/videocad.github.io/Get in touch:Ashraf Serourhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashraf-sorour-3953919aMartin Bielickihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-bielicki/Chapters ➡00:00 Introduction01:04 Identifying Repetitive Tasks for Automation02:05 Barriers to AI Adoption in Engineering03:22 How can Data Privacy with AI work in Engineering? 05:41 Exploring AI Tools in Engineering07:15 Are engineers actually adopting AI?12:33 Should Engineers focus on Innovation?14:32 How an Engineering AI Assistant could save time!17:42 Advice for Engineering Managers to Implement AI 21:32 Conclusion: VideoCAD