We know that we’re only as good as our people, and at Ada Mode, we have an impressive team at the helm. This Humans Behind the AI series aims to highlight the talented individuals that work here. For this month’s edition, we’re featuring Robbie O'Neill, Senior Engineer at Ada Mode.
What's your role at Ada Mode?
I joined the team in May as a Senior Engineer. My role is centred on providing consultancy to our clients and supporting business development in Ada Mode. As a consultant, I concern myself with managing engineering activities, supplier performance, and risk and change management. At present, that's in the civil nuclear industry. It's a fluctuating scope and that suits me well as I like variety, problem solving, and always enjoy acquiring a new perspective!
What does your average day look like?
The most average day is one that looks different to the last! I could be working with colleagues on a bid or business development activities or fully immersed in client work. Regardless of where my attentions are for the day, I will always be striving for very good conversations to continue to break ground on my task list. Communication in these complex environments is everything!
What's your favourite thing about working at Ada Mode?
The people and the purpose! Everyone at Ada Mode brings something different and collectively, that makes it a fantastic place to work. The breadth and depth of skills and knowledge here means you can always learn something from your colleagues. It's also great to be working in a place where you feel like your work is adding value in all the important ways.
What has been your favourite project or challenge you've worked on?
Having just joined, I can only say my current project with Ada Mode which is with a client in the nuclear new build industry. Over my career I have worked on some interesting projects, everything from maintaining reactors to working on new aircraft carriers and even (despite how boring it sounds) optimising the maintenance of the UK's telegraph pole network!
It seems like everyone at Ada Mode shares the same passion for tech. What about AI technology are you most passionate about?
Firstly, that the opportunities and variety of applications are so vast. With the right implementation, it can be relevant to almost anything you can imagine. Thinking specifically about my area of work, engineering is so tightly governed by process, and AI can automate process so well, that I see a lot of potential in removing some of the less thoughtful and repetitive tasks from day-day work. Having more time to focus on the challenging 20% that affects the 80%, and spending less time completing easily automated processes will deliver lots more efficiency and value to our customers.
Where do you see the industry heading in the next 3-5 years?
In the world of AI and engineering, I see more and more routine processes becoming automated. This will inevitably increase productivity and help to bridge resource gaps in industries which are being held back. The uptake of predictive maintenance AI and digital twins will continue to proliferate and no longer be the preserve of large engineering multinationals but rather be adopted across the spectrum of industry, because of software like Atlas making the tech more accessible. At a global level, I think there will be large levels of investment into the supply of hardware required for AI from big tech companies, in an attempt to diversify the current supply chain. Finally, we are already seeing day to day interactions for many people with AI, but I think in 3-5 years' time it will be ubiquitous in almost all office work because of the repeatability and productivity gains. Much like the smartphone.
What are your top three books/podcasts?
Books. This changes a lot but currently:
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Do not say we have Nothing by Madeline Thien
In Search of Schrödinger's Cat by John Gribbin
The Shining by Stephen King
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Podcasts:
Rest is History
Athletico Mince
The News Quiz/Friday Night Comedy on BBCR4
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
I've been a musician almost all of my life, played in bands etc. so, I have amassed a fair collection of instruments and music. I spend most of that music time on the guitar or the piano, learning a new piece or just twiddling away. I generally spend my weekends walking out in the sticks, gardening, and woodworking in my workshop.
However, having just moved to a new place, what I actually do when I'm not at work is DIY, to the exclusion of almost anything else!
Who should we speak to next?
Ask Chelsea about her voluntary work with Wiltshire police!
