As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the global energy landscape, Arindam Banerjee, the Paul B. Reinhold Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, suggests that students must master a multidimensional skill set to remain competitive during the industry’s rapid AI transition.
In an episode of the ASME Insights podcast released last month, Banerjee joined Dr. Lester Su, president of the American Society of Engineers, to discuss how mechanical engineering curricula must evolve to ensure the future workforce is not just literate in new technologies, but truly “AI-ready.”
A three-pronged approach to engineering education
During the interview, Banerjee introduced a framework he describes as being “trilingual,” explaining that to compete in an AI-driven field, mechanical engineers must be fluent across three distinct domains:
-
Physics and Math: Maintaining a deep fluency in the fundamental science and constraints that govern mechanical systems.
-
Data-Driven Methods: Developing the ability to leverage AI and machine learning for adaptability and speed when managing complex, variable datasets.
-
Physical Systems: Grounding digital expertise in reality by maintaining hands-on skills to operate, take apart, and rebuild real-world engineering systems.
“Physics gives you the understanding and the constraints,” Banerjee explained during the episode. “Data, I feel, gives you adaptability and speed. Then the hands-on component... allows you to ground everything in reality.”
AI in the energy sector
Banerjee highlighted the energy sector as the “perfect domain for AI” because it exists at the intersection of physics, infrastructure, and massive data. He specifically discussed the rise of virtual power plants—digital twins that use real-time supply and demand data to make informed, automated decisions for the power grid.
He cautioned, however, that these tools should not be treated as black boxes. Instead, he believes digital twins must be built on the fundamental science that mechanical engineers have developed over decades.
Educational leadership
Banerjee serves as co-director of the multi-institution Atlantic Marine Energy Center (AMEC) and associate director of Lehigh’s Center for Advancing Community Electrification Solutions (ACES).
The podcast appearance followed Banerjee's presentation at the ASME Mechanical Engineering Education (MEEd) Leadership Conference, which took place March 29-31 at George Mason University. During the conference, he advocated for moving beyond simple AI literacy toward AI readiness by embedding data-driven methods directly into core courses like statics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
Listen to the full episode: “AI and the Energy Sector: Preparing Mechanical Engineers for the Future,” is available on RSS.com and all major podcast platforms.
