MTI’s AI Task Force Advances Member-Led Best Practices for Responsible AI Adoption

The Metal Treating Institute’s AI Task Force convened on January 13, 2026, to take a significant next step in guiding the responsible, practical use of artificial intelligence within the heat treating industry. Many in the heat treating industry have not created policies or protocols for AI usage because they share, “They don’t know where to start.” That is about to change thanks to MTI’s AI Task Force.

Chaired by Heather Falcone, the task force includes a cross-section of industry leaders and the MTI management team, reflecting MTI’s commitment to developing AI guidance that is technically sound, operationally realistic, and aligned with the compliance-driven culture of heat treating.

Shifting from Tools to Best Practices

During the meeting, the task force agreed to broaden its focus beyond individual AI tools and instead concentrate on best practices, protocols, and policies for how AI should—and should not—be used within heat treating workflows. 

This shift reflects a shared understanding that AI adoption is no longer a future concept. The more pressing challenge for Member companies is determining how to use AI safely, ethically, and consistently without compromising intellectual property, quality, customer trust, or metallurgical integrity.

A Structured Framework for AI Decision-Making

As part of the discussion, MTI CEO Tom Morrison presented a draft set of AI policy and training questions, covering ten critical areas, including strategy, data governance, human oversight, training, acceptable use, quality and compliance, cybersecurity, and cultural considerations for the task force to work through.

Rather than rushing to conclusions, the task force intentionally chose a disciplined approach. Each of the ten focus areas will be studied and researched over the next few months, allowing Members of the task force to thoughtfully evaluate risks, opportunities, and real-world implications before final recommendations are made. As a part of the process, the task force will be posting to MTI’s online forum to gain Member insight, concerns, and feedback on AI usage. Please engage in the discussion when you see the posts.

Building Practical Tools for MTI Members

The ultimate goal of this work is not theory, but usable tools. Based on the discussions, the task force will develop:

• A best-practice checklist for evaluating AI use inside a heat treating operation
• Template AI usage and acceptable-use policies that Member companies can adapt to their own size, customers, and regulatory environment
• Clear guidance on where human oversight and accountability must remain non-negotiable

These resources are being designed to support companies of all sizes, ensuring small and mid-sized heat treaters are not left behind as AI adoption accelerates.

Next Steps and Timeline

Following the ten-week forum discussion period, the AI Task Force will reconvene in late March to consolidate its findings into a working document. That document will be presented to the MTI Board at the Spring Board Meeting for review and guidance before being finalized for Member access.

MTI’s Role: Leadership Without Hype

This effort reinforces MTI’s role as a trusted industry steward—helping Members navigate emerging technologies with clarity, discipline, and foresight. By focusing on governance, training, and accountability first, the AI Task Force is ensuring that artificial intelligence strengthens the industry rather than introduces unnecessary risk.

Members can expect future updates as this work progresses, along with practical resources that support informed decision-making in an increasingly AI-enabled manufacturing environment. In 2026, AI is turning from experimentation to an essential tool in everyday operations. Used wisely, it can help drive efficiencies in a plant’s workflow and increase capacity and output by every employee.

Stay tuned in…more to come.  If you have any questions, feel free to send them to Tom Morrison at tom@heattreat.net.