AI can simplify searches, summarize large amounts of data, and retrieve technical bulletins, but it’s limited by training data and can’t make a diagnosis

LAS VEGAS – June 2, 2026 – What can AI do for technicians? What is it incapable of doing? 

That was the theme for the first webinar in a 12-part series called Joe’s Garage Online 2026. The series is produced by Babcox Media and sponsored by AAPEX. 

The Babcox team also created this infographic and posted a thorough written summary: AI for Technicians: What It Can – and Can’t – Do in the Modern Shop.

Some ways AI is useful for auto technicians

Below are a few things that AI can do for technicians, according to Babcox Director of Content Andrew Markel, who is also an ASE-certified auto technician.

• Requires less time to find what you need. “AI is increasingly being used as an advanced search tool within automotive repair. Rather than manually navigating multiple databases, technicians can use AI to retrieve highly specific answers quickly.”

• Summarize large volumes of technical data. “One of the primary advantages is the ability to summarize large volumes of technical information. AI can process extensive documentation, including service manuals and training materials, and deliver concise results.”

• Find technical bulletins easily. “One of the most practical applications of AI in the shop is retrieving Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and other service communications. AI can access publicly available resources such as the NHTSA ODI database and quickly surface relevant bulletins for specific vehicles.”

Limitations of AI for auto technicians

The webinar also noted some of the things AI cannot do for auto technicians:

• Make a diagnosis. “It cannot perform a complete, start-to-finish diagnosis of a vehicle. As Markel stated directly, “Right now, AI can’t diagnose a vehicle start to finish.”

• AI capabilities are limited by training data. “The effectiveness of AI is directly tied to the quality of the data it uses. ‘Any AI is only good as the information that it’s been trained on,’ Markel emphasized.”

• AI can’t circumvent pay-walled information. “AI does not have direct access to OEM service information systems or other restricted databases. It cannot bypass paywalls or log into proprietary platforms. As a result, it relies on publicly available data or information provided directly by the user.”

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Sign up for the full webinar series

If you missed the webinar, you can still watch it on-demand any time – along with the others in the full series. It’s free with registration.

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AAPEX 2026 will be held from Nov. 3–5, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at The Venetian Expo & AAPEX Forum. See the exhibitor prospectus for exhibiting details. Complimentary passes are available to the media; email: [email protected].

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