When I entered the Gemma 4 Developer Challenge, my goal was simple: build something useful, learn some new skills, and finish a project I could be proud of.
I didn't expect it to turn into something I might actually get to present at work.
For some background, I work in manufacturing. I've spent years operating equipment, troubleshooting problems, and watching experienced operators solve issues that newer employees often struggle with. A lot of that knowledge exists only through experience.
When I started thinking about ideas for the challenge, I kept coming back to a simple question:
What if there was an AI-powered assistant that could help operators troubleshoot issues, learn faster, and access information when they needed it?
That question became a prototype.
Over the past few weeks I've been building a manufacturing-focused troubleshooting assistant that allows users to describe an issue and receive structured guidance, troubleshooting suggestions, safety reminders, and recommended next steps.
The project started as a coding challenge entry, but something interesting happened along the way.
I mentioned the project to my operations manager. He thought it was interesting enough that he immediately reached out to our site's Learning & Development leader. Not long after, I received an invitation to meet and discuss the idea.
As someone trying to transition into tech while still working in manufacturing, that was a pretty surreal moment.
I have no expectations going into the meeting. It may simply be a conversation about ideas and possibilities. But regardless of what happens, this experience has already reinforced something important:
Sometimes the best project ideas come from problems you see every day.
Whether this prototype goes anywhere or not, it's been an incredible learning experience in AI integration, full stack development, user experience design, and building software around a real-world problem instead of an imaginary one.
I'll share an update after the meeting and let everyone know how it goes.
Have you ever built a side project that unexpectedly attracted attention from your employer or industry? I'd love to hear those stories
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