Will AI replace Chemists?

AI can do 63% of the work Chemists do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 12 tasks, while 4 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 3 physical tasks. 3 still need a person.

AI is already doing this2 · 27% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.Mostly automated20% of time
  • Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.Mostly automated6% of time

AI could do this next4 · 36% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.16% of time
  • Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.12% of time
  • Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.7% of time
  • Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.1% of time

Robots can technically do this3 · 25% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Conduct quality control tests.Robots: structured workplaces13% of time
  • Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.Robots: purpose built settings6% of time
  • Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.Robots: purpose built settings6% of time

Still needs a person3 · 12% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.6% of time
  • Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.4% of time
  • Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.2% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 24 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

What to do next

  • Do the 2 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 4 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 3 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 3 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Materials Scientists76%Physicists70%Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists56%Astronomers73%Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers51%Hydrologists85%

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