I had an engaging conversation with Justus Benning, an AI expert currently advancing AI capabilities at VOSS Automotive, where he focuses on optimising the performance of the “ClickID” smart wearable. Justus brought a wealth of insights into the real-world applications and limitations of machine learning and artificial intelligence, challenging us to look past the hype and consider practical uses for AI, especially in manufacturing and on-device applications. We discussed the current state of large language models, weighing their diminishing returns and exploring the role smaller, distilled models might play in improving efficiency without compromising quality. Justus also shared his thoughts on AI’s implications for automotive suppliers and the evolving AI landscape for companies partnering with tech giants like Microsoft. This was a thought-provoking conversation for anyone curious about AI’s practical journey from cutting-edge research to impactful deployment.