45
Partial Cope
partial_cope, partial_acknowledgment
Designs physical systems, machines, manufacturing processes. Bridges digital design (AI-vulnerable) and physical implementation (AI-resistant).
AI handles CAD optimisation, simulation, and analysis -- the digital half of mechanical engineering. But physical prototyping, manufacturing troubleshooting, and site work resist automation. The degree splits: desk-based engineers face pressure; hands-on engineers have lag defence. Manufacturing still needs humans who understand physics in practice, not just in models.