Ford CEO Jim Farley has declared that artificial intelligence combined with augmented reality is a "game changer" for the company’s technicians, especially as it faces a growing labor shortage in the skilled trades. Speaking at a Detroit summit on blue-collar careers, Farley highlighted how AI-powered AR tools can simplify complex repairs on vehicles like Ford’s Super Duty trucks, making the work easier and more efficient for technicians. He emphasized that diesel technician roles at Ford can pay over $100,000 annually and typically require at least five years of training. With the U.S. automotive industry facing a critical gap in skilled labor—Tech Force estimates a need for more than 100,000 new technicians each year to meet demand and replace retirees—Farley sees AI as a vital solution to help bridge the workforce shortfall. Farley acknowledged that AI will bring both challenges and opportunities across all job sectors. While automation may displace some roles, he believes the right implementation can enhance productivity and support workers rather than replace them. His comments align with those of Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, who recently stated that AI will transform every job and allow companies to scale sales without proportionally increasing headcount. Farley also criticized the current focus of most AI development, noting that most solutions pitched to Ford are aimed at improving white-collar efficiency. “Very few AI companies come to us and say, ‘We want to dramatically help your efficiency repairing cars or your factory workers,’” he said. He called on tech firms to expand their efforts to support the essential economy, arguing that AI should be used as a tool to empower blue-collar workers, not just streamline office tasks. The summit brought together industry leaders to discuss strategies for attracting and training the next generation of skilled workers, underscoring the urgency of the labor crisis. Farley’s vision centers on leveraging AI not to replace technicians, but to equip them with smarter tools, reduce training time, and make the repair process more accessible and effective.