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On 19th February we hosted our Somerset Cluster meeting at the iAero. We were joined by members New Icon who provided a practical workshop on AI.
The session explored how AI and automation can be applied in practical, low-risk ways across aerospace and advanced manufacturing, with a focus on solving real operational problems rather than delivering large-scale transformation projects. Discussion centred on identifying friction across front, middle and back office functions, and directing innovation efforts where they can deliver the greatest impact.
Members shared common challenges including contract review and compliance processes, scheduling and resourcing pressures, reliance on manual spreadsheets and inconsistent data, delays in payment settlement and insurer interactions, and the difficulty of implementing AI in environments that rely on skilled manual work rather than automation.
The group also discussed the importance of balancing the cost of AI adoption with measurable business benefit, emphasising the need for clear use cases, strong data foundations, and keeping people in the loop. A key takeaway was the value of starting with small, low-risk experiments, learning quickly, and scaling only where tangible improvements in efficiency, risk reduction, or capacity can be demonstrated.
Find out more about New Icon here: https://newicon.net/