Will AI replace Electrical Engineers?

AI can do 55% of the work Electrical Engineers do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 4 of their 22 tasks, while 10 more are ready but barely used so far. 8 still need a person.

AI is already doing this4 · 8% of time

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

  • Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems.Mostly automated2% of time
  • Estimate labor, material, or construction costs for budget preparation purposes.Mostly automated2% of time
  • Investigate customer or public complaints to determine the nature and extent of problems.Mostly automated2% of time
  • Collect data relating to commercial or residential development, population, or power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems.Mostly automated1% of time

AI could do this next10 · 46% of time

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

  • Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.11% of time
  • Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.10% of time
  • Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.6% of time
  • Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.6% of time
  • Compile data and write reports regarding existing or potential electrical engineering studies or projects.6% of time
  • Plan or implement research methodology or procedures to apply principles of electrical theory to engineering projects.2% of time
  • Prepare specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.2% of time
  • Design electrical systems or components that minimize electric energy requirements, such as lighting systems designed to account for natural lighting.1% of time
  • Develop systems that produce electricity with renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or biofuels.1% of time
  • Integrate electrical systems with renewable energy systems to improve overall efficiency.1% of time

Still needs a person8 · 45% 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.

  • Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.17% of time
  • Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.7% of time
  • Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.6% of time
  • Supervise or train project team members, as necessary.5% of time
  • Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational, safety, or environmental standards.4% of time
  • Develop software to control electrical systems.4% of time
  • Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment or major repairs.2% of time
  • Investigate or test vendors' or competitors' products.1% 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 8 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 4 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 10 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Build on the 8 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer73%Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists68%Civil Engineers55%Materials Engineers53%Mechatronics Engineers57%Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers61%

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