Will AI replace Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians?

AI can do 46% of the work Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 1 of their 30 tasks, while 16 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 6 physical tasks. 7 still need a person.

AI is already doing this1 · 4% of time

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

  • Provide user applications or engineering support or recommendations for new or existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades, or enhancements.Mostly assisted4% of time

AI could do this next16 · 42% of time

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

  • Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.6% of time
  • Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.4% of time
  • Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, or systems to correct functional deviations.4% of time
  • Integrate software or hardware components, using computer, microprocessor, or control architecture.4% of time
  • Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.3% of time
  • Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.3% of time
  • Select electronics equipment, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.3% of time
  • Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.3% of time
  • Procure parts and maintain inventory and related documentation.3% of time
  • Participate in training or continuing education activities to stay abreast of engineering or industry advances.3% of time
  • Specify, coordinate, or conduct quality control or quality assurance programs or procedures.3% of time
  • Interpret test information to resolve design-related problems.3% of time
  • Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.1% of time
  • Design or modify engineering schematics for electrical transmission and distribution systems or for electrical installation in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.1% of time
  • Review, develop, or prepare maintenance standards.1% of time
  • Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable or nonsustainable designs.under 1% of time

Robots can technically do this6 · 28% 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.

  • Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.Robots: purpose built settings12% of time
  • Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.Robots: purpose built settings6% of time
  • Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Construct and evaluate electrical components for consumer electronics applications such as fuel cells for consumer electronic devices, power saving devices for computers or televisions, or energy efficient power chargers.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Participate in the development or testing of electrical aspects of new green technologies, such as lighting, optical data storage devices, and energy efficient televisions.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person7 · 26% 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.

  • Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.9% of time
  • Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.5% of time
  • Install or maintain electrical control systems, industrial automation systems, or electrical equipment, including control circuits, variable speed drives, or programmable logic controllers.4% of time
  • Supervise the installation or operation of electronic equipment or systems.3% of time
  • Produce electronics drawings or other graphics representing industrial control, instrumentation, sensors, or analog or digital telecommunications networks, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.3% of time
  • Educate equipment operators on the proper use of equipment.1% of time
  • Research equipment or component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times, or ongoing operational costs.1% of time

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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 3 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 1 task AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 16 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 6 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 7 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians46%Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians65%Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians30%Robotics Technicians38%Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians60%Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians61%

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