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AI work instructions: what it is, what works, and what the science says.

AI work instructions sound like the future, but platforms are already in production on Dutch shop floors today. The question is no longer "can it work" but "what works and what doesn't". TNO researched this in 2026 across 45+ Dutch manufacturers. Below: what the science says — and what operations directors actually decide.

What are AI work instructions?

Classic work instructions are hand-written documents — Word, PDF, laminated cards. AI work instructions are generated from raw input: a video of an operator, a spoken explanation, a 3D-CAD file, or a combination. The AI structures that input automatically into step-by-step instructions, syncs text to video clips, translates into multiple languages, and tracks versions for audit purposes.

Three modalities — which wins?

Not every AI input produces the same result:

Document input (Word, PDF)

Quick to implement, but inherits the weak spots of existing documentation. No knowledge expansion — only format conversion.

3D-CAD input

Strong for assembly and montage processes, but requires CAD availability and is less suited to machining or packaging tasks.

Video and speech input

Captures the implicit knowledge of the experienced craftsperson that was never written down — movements, sequence, experience. TNO research points to this as the most effective modality for Dutch manufacturing processes, especially in the face of an ageing workforce.

What does the TNO research say?

Measured across 45+ Dutch manufacturers:

30%
Shorter onboarding period for new staff
20–40%
Fewer errors on the shop floor (Fraunhofer validation 2021)
100%
Audit-documented sessions, ISO-traceable

More importantly, the research also identifies pitfalls — projects that start but don't scale. They're covered in the TNO whitepaper.

Who are AI work instructions for?

How do you start?

Not with an IT project. The TNO research finding: companies that start with one workstation, one process, one video, get significantly more value than companies that go organisation-wide on day one.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need IT staff?
No. We provision the environment, you record the videos, the AI structures them. No internal IT resources required for a pilot.
Can we use existing PDFs?
Yes. Existing PDFs, Word documents, and manuals are imported and can be enriched with video for the steps that don't translate well to paper.
What about data?
All data is processed and stored in the Netherlands, GDPR-compliant. The customer remains the owner; export is standard.
What does a pilot cost?
An initial proof of concept is free. For a structured pilot we discuss scope and investment based on your situation — not the other way around.

Three ways to start

Pick the entry point that matches your stage. No sales pitch — just practical information at the depth that fits where you are.

First read

TNO whitepaper

8 pages. The three KPIs that actually matter, and the pitfalls in 70% of projects.

Download whitepaper →
First see

Live demo

30 minutes on your own process. We show how an AI work instruction looks live.

Schedule a demo →
Experience now

Pilot programme

One workstation, one process, one video. First instruction live within the hour on your shop floor.

Schedule a pilot →