Will AI replace Physicists?
AI can do 70% of the work Physicists do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 10 tasks, while 5 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 2 still need a person.
AI is already doing this2 · 26% of time
People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.Mostly automated16% of time
- Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.Mostly automated9% of time
AI could do this next5 · 44% of time
AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.
- Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.12% of time
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.8% of time
- Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.8% of time
- Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.8% of time
- Write research proposals to receive funding.8% of time
Robots can technically do this1 · 12% 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.
- Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.Robots: purpose built settings12% of time
Still needs a person2 · 19% 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.
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.14% of time
- Teach physics to students.5% 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 25 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 5 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
- Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
- Build on the 2 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
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