Will AI replace Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

AI can do 0% of the work Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic do at least twice as fast. None of their 17 tasks show real AI use yet. Robots can technically handle 15 physical tasks. 2 still need a person.

AI is already doing this0 · 0% of time

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

  • Real AI use has not reached any of this job's tasks yet.

AI could do this next0 · 0% of time

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

  • No other tasks in this job can be sped up by AI today.

Robots can technically do this15 · 82% 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.

  • Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.Robots: purpose built settings21% of time
  • Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.Robots: purpose built settings12% of time
  • Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.Robots: purpose built settings10% of time
  • Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.Robots: structured workplaces10% of time
  • Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Install tools in spindles.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.Robots: structured workplaces1% of time
  • Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.Robots: purpose built settingsunder 1% of time

Still needs a person2 · 18% 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.

  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.12% of time
  • Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.6% of time

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What this means

Little of this work suits AI. The bigger change here is robots: today's robots can technically do 82% of the working time, though they are rarely cheap enough to replace people yet.

What to do next

  • Keep an eye on the 15 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 2 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1%Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic6%Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic2%Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic10%Pourers and Casters, Metal0%Foundry Mold and Coremakers0%

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