Will AI replace Maintenance Workers, Machinery?

AI can do 10% of the work Maintenance Workers, Machinery 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 12 physical tasks. 4 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 next2 · 10% of time

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

  • Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.5% of time
  • Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.5% of time

Robots can technically do this12 · 60% 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.

  • Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.Robots: purpose built settings12% of time
  • Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.Robots: purpose built settings9% of time
  • Clean machines and machine parts, using cleaning solvents, cloths, air guns, hoses, vacuums, or other equipment.Robots: purpose built settings8% of time
  • Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Transport machine parts, tools, equipment, and other material between work areas and storage, using cranes, hoists, or dollies.Robots: structured workplaces5% of time
  • Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Inventory and requisition machine parts, equipment, and other supplies so that stock can be maintained and replenished.Robots: structured workplaces4% of time
  • Collect and discard worn machine parts and other refuse to maintain machinery and work areas.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Remove hardened material from machines or machine parts, using abrasives, power and hand tools, jackhammers, sledgehammers, or other equipment.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Replace, empty, or replenish machine and equipment containers such as gas tanks or boxes.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Measure, mix, prepare, and test chemical solutions used to clean or repair machinery and equipment.Robots: structured workplaces1% of time

Still needs a person4 · 29% 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.

  • Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.12% of time
  • Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.10% of time
  • Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.6% of time
  • Replace or repair metal, wood, leather, glass, or other lining in machines, or in equipment compartments or containers.1% 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 60% 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 12 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 4 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics11%Millwrights7%Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons0%Mechanical Door Repairers11%Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door11%Maintenance and Repair Workers, General11%

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