United Rentals invests in AI for service technicians

United Rentals has adopted a web-based, AI-powered application that gives its service teams on-demand access to thousands of machine manuals, helping to speed repairs and reduce equipment downtime.

The new Manual Assist AI app, developed with Amazon Web Services (AWS), uses AI-powered diagnostics to support more than 4,000 staff at the company.

Built on AWS cloud infrastructure and generative AI services, it helps mechanics locate manuals, summarise service procedures and identify the most relevant pages for technical detail. It can be used both at United’s depots and in the field.

United said it significantly reduces the time required to find important information to diagnose and resolve issues.

“Manual Assist AI helps our service teams get more equipment back into service faster, which directly improves fleet utilisation,” said Tony Leopold, senior vice president and chief technology and strategy officer at United Rentals.

“This tool reflects our ongoing innovation strategy and our commitment to using generative AI to expand employee capacity and deliver greater value to our customers.”

Manual Assist AI was built using AWS cloud capabilities, including Amazon Bedrock and Amazon OpenSearch.

Rich Geraffo, vice president and managing director, AWS North America, added; “It’s incredibly rewarding to work with United Rentals as they apply AI to enhance the productivity and safety of their employees and the customers they serve.

“Manual Assist AI—and United Rentals’ broader innovation strategy—demonstrates the meaningful impact AI can have across industries.”

The new app supports the company’s wider Worksite Performance Solutions strategy, which focuses on digital tools, equipment technologies and analytics to improve project efficiency.

It also extends United’s investment in AI-driven services designed to help customers operate more safely and productively.