The Awakened Engineer: Lessons on Balancing AI and Human Critical Thinking

I’ve always loved technology. Even though I don’t consider myself the most tech-savvy person, my curiosity about how things work has been with me since childhood. That curiosity led me to study engineering, and I especially value industrial engineering because it’s about finding practical ways to make life and work more efficient.

Technology has always been a tool for me, something that enhances problem-solving and creativity. But it should never replace our ability to think critically. Too often, I see professionals relying too heavily on technology, which can lead to a loss of focus, mismanaged execution, or an overlooking of the basics. Even the best ideas, backed by endless resources, can fall apart without clear thinking and strong operational foundations.

Lessons From the Factory Floor

Back in the mid-90s, I worked as a Packaging Supervisor at a company that manufactured pacemakers. We hit a major production bottleneck. My boss immediately suggested adding people or investing in new equipment, both expensive solutions.

But we noticed something different. The real issue wasn’t a lack of manpower or machinery; it was inaccurate inventory data. Our system claimed we had enough raw materials, yet we were constantly running out of basics like label paper. Packaging stalled. Shipments lagged.

After digging deeper, we found the culprit: incomplete data entry. Materials were arriving, but not always being recorded, resulting in a wildly misleading system.

Instead of pouring money into equipment or new hires, I extended the first shift with a small, motivated team who created a “data-entry production line.” They fixed the records, updated the system, and ensured inventory matched reality.

The results? Shipments went out on time, productivity stabilized, and the company saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most importantly, I learned a lesson that has stuck with me ever since: critical thinking is the foundation of real problem-solving. Fancy solutions are worthless if you don’t address the root cause.

Where AI Fits In

Fast forward to today, and we’re surrounded by tools powered by artificial intelligence. I’m excited to try them all because they can spark creativity and make work more efficient. But here’s the catch: these tools should support us, not control us.

Think about it: have you ever followed a GPS that tried to send you down a “Do Not Enter” street? You know it’s wrong, yet some people freeze, unsure whether to trust their own eyes or the machine. That hesitation is what happens when we outsource judgment to technology.

Our brains are the most powerful tools we have. We created AI, not the other way around. When I see our team questioning, experimenting, and solving problems with ingenuity, that’s when I know we’re truly leveraging technology the right way.

Humans in the Loop—Always

I encourage our team to use AI and other digital tools as amplifiers of their abilities, not replacements. These tools help us move faster, but they don’t replace the initial spark of human insight, brainstorming, assessment, collaboration, and creativity. That’s the magic of being human.

When I plan projects, design strategies, or streamline operations, I always start with people. Once the ideas are solid, then I let technology step in to make the execution smoother.

The future belongs to those who can blend both worlds, leveraging AI’s efficiency while retaining the irreplaceable power of human critical thinking. If we keep humans at the center, AI becomes what it was always meant to be: a powerful partner, not a substitute.