Will AI replace Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?

AI can do 8% of the work Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand do at least twice as fast. Real use has not caught up: none of their tasks show up in real AI use yet, but AI could speed up 2 of them. Robots can technically handle 10 physical tasks. 1 still needs 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 next2 · 8% of time

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

  • Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.4% of time
  • Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets.4% of time

Robots can technically do this10 · 86% 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.

  • Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.Robots: structured workplaces53% of time
  • Sort cargo before loading and unloading.Robots: purpose built settings11% of time
  • Pack containers and re-pack damaged containers.Robots: purpose built settings7% of time
  • Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Carry needed tools or supplies from storage or trucks and return them after use.Robots: structured workplaces3% of time
  • Attach slings, hooks, or other devices to lift cargo and guide loads.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Assemble product containers or crates, using hand tools and precut lumber.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Adjust controls to guide, position, or move equipment, such as cranes, booms, or cameras.Robots: structured workplaces1% of time
  • Connect electrical equipment to power sources so that it can be tested before use.Robots: purpose built settingsunder 1% of time

Still needs a person1 · 7% 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.

  • Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.7% of time

Your week is not the average

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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 89% of the working time, though they are rarely cheap enough to replace people yet.

What to do next

  • Get ahead on the 2 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 10 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 1 task that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment0%Recycling and Reclamation Workers3%Machine Feeders and Offbearers8%Packers and Packagers, Hand10%Stockers and Order Fillers12%Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors7%

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