March was a month packed with fresh technical thinking, practical guidance, and human‑centred stories across the EngX community. From deep dives into industrial AI to personal reflections from engineers shaping their workplaces, here’s your roundup of what captured attention and sparked conversation this month.
AI in Manufacturing: Why So Many Initiatives Stall
One of the most thought‑provoking reads this month came from Dr Paul Johnson, whose article AI in Manufacturing: Why Most Initiatives Fail & How to Deliver Real Engineering Value explores why organisations continue to struggle with turning AI investment into meaningful operational outcomes.
Johnson illustrates this through a real‑world predictive maintenance example where an AI model successfully identified early warning signs of equipment failures, only for the initiative to falter due to inconsistent data pipelines, low user trust, and unchanged operational routines. His analysis draws on insights from McKinsey, Rockwell Automation, MIT Sloan and BCG, providing a clear-eyed look at the “AI paradox”: high ambition, limited return.
For anyone working with industrial data, digital transformation or reliability engineering, this piece is packed with lessons worth reflecting on.
Stories From Neurodivergent Engineers
This month also brought a standout human‑centred piece exploring the experiences of three neurodivergent engineers — Helen, Tim and Charlie.
In Stories from neurodivergent engineers , their candid reflections touch on diagnosis, workplace adjustments, and how understanding their neurodivergence has helped them thrive professionally. They discuss creativity, hyperfocus, and pattern‑spotting as engineering strengths, while highlighting the kinds of inclusive practices that allow individuals, and teams, to flourish.
It’s an inspiring reminder of the diversity of thought within engineering and how much stronger our profession becomes when everyone has the support they need.
Reimagining Justice: What AI Could Mean for Us All
In Reflections on Justice for the Accused event; how technology and AI may improve the efficiency and fairness of the justice system Joe Dunn offers a thoughtful, insider’s view of a recent Justice For All event at the Old Bailey. The piece explores how AI is reshaping legal processes, from tackling rising data complexity to rethinking long‑standing assumptions about fairness, independence, and system design. It’s an accessible, forward‑looking read for anyone interested in how emerging technologies are influencing real‑world decision‑making at scale.
This is a topic where engineering, ethics, policy, and digital transformation truly intersect. Sharing your perspectives in the comments can help broaden the conversation on how engineers can help shape responsible, future‑proof approaches.
From STEM Spark to IET President: A Journey of Impact
In this inspiring International Women’s Day feature, From STEM Spark to IET President: A Journey of Impact, IET President Dawn Ohlson CEng FIET reflects on a career shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to giving back. From discovering her path in STEM at a young age to forging an unconventional, opportunity‑driven career at Racal and Thales, Dawn’s story highlights the transformative power of volunteering and the importance of representation in engineering. Her journey is a powerful reminder that giving time, skills, and support not only strengthens the engineering community but also fuels personal growth and confidence.
Conversations Driving the Community
Our discussion forums stayed lively throughout March, with engineers exchanging insights on topics including:
- Robots vs Manual Labour: Cost & Efficiency Comparison — weighing automation’s real‑world trade‑offs.
- Consultant Engineer vs Corporate Engineer — reflecting on professional identity and career pathways.
- Is construction ready for digital fabrication? — how far has the construction sector really progressed?.
These active threads show the breadth of expertise across the community, and how willing our members are to share it.
From the IET - Electrical Safety Reminder
Rounding out the month, the IET issued a timely reminder on 24 March 2026 encouraging households to check electrical safety before using plug‑in solar equipment, an increasingly popular option for those exploring low‑carbon energy solutions. Read the full press release on the IET's website: IET urges households to check electrical safety before using plug in solar products
It’s a valuable complement to the EngX community’s ongoing conversations around safety and sustainability.
Wrapping Up March
From AI’s role in shaping future industries to the human experiences that shape our profession, March on EngX delivered a rich blend of insight, reflection and practical guidance.
As always, thank you to everyone who contributed blogs, joined discussions, or shared experiences, your voices are what make EngX such a vibrant place to learn, connect and grow.
