Will AI replace Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

AI can do 6% of the work Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 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 4 of them. Robots can technically handle 13 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 next4 · 6% 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 operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.2% of time
  • Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.1% of time
  • Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.1% of time
  • Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.1% of time

Robots can technically do this13 · 84% 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 machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.Robots: purpose built settings16% of time
  • Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.Robots: structured workplaces13% of time
  • Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.Robots: purpose built settings13% of time
  • Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.Robots: purpose built settings12% of time
  • Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.Robots: purpose built settings7% of time
  • Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
  • Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
  • Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
  • Align layout marks with dies or blades.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person4 · 10% 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 blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.5% of time
  • Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.2% of time
  • Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.1% of time
  • Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.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 85% of the working time, though they are rarely cheap enough to replace people yet.

What to do next

  • Get ahead on the 4 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 13 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.
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic6%Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic6%Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic6%Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic5%Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders7%Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic4%

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