Can AI Become a Trusted Tool for Industrial Field Workers?

In this episode, Ask AI host Elena Putilina talks with Gabe Batstone, CEO and co-founder of Contextere, about the future of “blue collar AI.”

Gabe explains how their AI copilot, Madison, empowers industrial workers by delivering real-time, context-rich insight, reducing risks, increasing safety, and speeding up complex repairs.

It’s a powerful story of human-AI collaboration born on the front lines of aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.

Their conversation somewhat flips the script on AI and automation. Instead of replacing jobs, Contextere’s tools help field workers make better, faster, and safer decisions, especially in high-stakes, industrial settings. It's about augmentation, not automation.

What you’ll hear

Why “blue collar” workers are among the least likely to be automated

How Madison curates intelligence from 10+ systems to reduce time and risk

Why co-creation with users shaped their voice-first design approach

Visit the episode post for all the links and resources mentioned:

https://www.askai.org/post/e59-can-ai...

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