Using artificial intelligence in research and development: Opportunities and pitfalls
AI has shifted from a “future concept” to a standard operational tool in many industries, including the tire and rubber industry. The tire and rubber industry has started using AI to help bridge the gap between materials development, engineering and high speed industrial manufacturing. Meanwhile, AI is increasingly finding its way into research and development organizations, including those working in rubber and elastomer technology. While much of the public discussion around AI alternates between hype and alarm, the reality for technical professionals sits somewhere in the middle. AI is best understood not as a replacement for scientists and engineers, but as the next generation of productivity tools; powerful when used correctly and potentially misleading when misunderstood. For rubber research and development, the key questions are not whether to use AI, but how to use it responsibly, effectively, and without compromising intellectual property or technical rigor.