Will AI replace Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians?
AI can do 53% of the work Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 30 tasks, while 16 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 7 physical tasks. 5 still need a person.
AI is already doing this2 · 11% of time
People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.
- Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.Mostly automated7% of time
- Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.Mostly automated4% 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.
- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.7% of time
- Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.5% of time
- Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.4% of time
- Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.4% of time
- Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.4% of time
- Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.3% of time
- Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.3% of time
- Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, or drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.3% of time
- Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.3% of time
- Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.3% of time
- Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.1% of time
- Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.1% of time
- Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.1% of time
- Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, and plant space.1% of time
- Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.under 1% of time
- Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.under 1% of time
Robots can technically do this7 · 33% 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.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.Robots: purpose built settings8% of time
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.Robots: purpose built settings7% of time
- Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
- Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
- Devise, fabricate, or assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
- Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
- Monitor, inspect, or test mechanical equipment.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
Still needs a person5 · 14% 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.
- Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.4% of time
- Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.3% of time
- Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.3% of time
- Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.3% of time
- Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.3% 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.
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 10 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 2 tasks 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 7 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
- Build on the 5 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
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