Will AI replace corrosion engineers?

Why AI struggles to replace this job

• Physical inspection of rusted or damaged structures often requires navigating tight, dangerous, or underwater spaces.
• Corrosion diagnosis involves nuanced sensory observation, like hearing the hollow sound of delaminated concrete.
• Recommending specific chemical coatings requires understanding the unique atmospheric conditions of a specific site.
• Determining the remaining lifespan of a critical asset involves a high degree of professional liability and judgment.

Tasks AI could automate

• Calculating the rate of metal loss based on ultrasonic thickness measurements.
• Predicting corrosion risks for different material combinations in a digital twin.
• Monitoring cathodic protection systems using remote sensors and IoT alerts.
• Generating maintenance schedules based on historical degradation rates.

The 10-year outlook

As global infrastructure ages, the need for corrosion prevention will increase. The role will become more data-centric, but the physical requirement for inspection and specialized material selection will keep it secure.

Common questions