Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems.

AI: Fully automatable - AI systems integrated with plant controls and sensor networks can remotely start equipment and continuously monitor operations to detect efficiency issues and anomalies.

Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.

AI: Fully automatable - Natural language processing and rule engines can reliably parse work orders and specifications to identify machines and equipment needing maintenance.

Inventory and requisition machine parts, equipment, and other supplies so that stock can be maintained and replenished.

AI: Fully automatable - Inventory tracking and requisition workflows are readily automated with software, IoT stock monitoring, and procurement integration.

Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.

AI: Fully automatable - Recording production, repair, and maintenance data is a routine data‑capture and logging task that AI and connected systems can fully automate.

Measure, mix, prepare, and test chemical solutions used to clean or repair machinery and equipment.

AI: Fully automatable - Measuring, mixing, preparing, and testing chemical solutions are highly procedural and already widely handled by automated dosing, lab robotics, and sensor feedback systems in industrial contexts.

Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.

AI: Partial - Machine vision and sensor analytics can detect many defects and flag areas digitally, but some physical testing and nuanced judgment still require human intervention.

Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.

AI: Partial - Physical reassembly requires dexterous manipulation and contextual decisions that are only partially automatable with specialized robotics in constrained settings.

Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.

AI: Partial - Dismantling and removing parts involves heavy, variable manual work and tooling that AI can assist and plan for but not fully automate across typical field environments.

Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.

AI: Partial - Installing or replacing parts can be automated in controlled, repeatable setups, but most real‑world cases still require human skill and adaptability.

Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.

AI: Partial - AI can coordinate, provide instructions, and mediate collaboration, but cannot physically participate in cooperative repair or moving tasks in general settings.

Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.

AI: Partial - AI and automated control systems can set up and run many machines in controlled industrial contexts, but varied equipment and ad-hoc adjustments still require human judgment and manual intervention in 2025.

Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment, according to specified procedures.

AI: Partial - Robotic dispensers and automated lubrication systems exist for repeatable tasks, but field‑maintenance with varied parts, materials, and access issues remains only partially automatable.

Collect and discard worn machine parts and other refuse to maintain machinery and work areas.

AI: Partial - Conveyor/robotic waste handling can fully automate disposal in structured environments, but ad‑hoc collection and cleanup around diverse machinery still need human workers in many settings.

Clean machines and machine parts, using cleaning solvents, cloths, air guns, hoses, vacuums, or other equipment.

AI: Partial - Automated cleaning systems and robots can handle routine cleaning of standardized parts, yet complex, variable, or hazardous cleaning tasks commonly require human skills and oversight.

Transport machine parts, tools, equipment, and other material between work areas and storage, using cranes, hoists, or dollies.

AI: Partial - Autonomous guided vehicles, automated cranes, and hoists can transport materials in many facilities, but irregular loads, unpredictable environments, and safety handling still limit full automation broadly.

Replace, empty, or replenish machine and equipment containers such as gas tanks or boxes.

AI: Partial - Automated refill and emptying/dosing systems exist for many containers, but safely replacing tanks/containers across diverse equipment and sites typically still needs human involvement.

Replace or repair metal, wood, leather, glass, or other lining in machines, or in equipment compartments or containers.

AI: Partial - Robotic tooling can perform some repetitive repairs, but the variety of materials, custom fittings, and skilled manual work for lining replacement prevents full automation in general-purpose maintenance.

Remove hardened material from machines or machine parts, using abrasives, power and hand tools, jackhammers, sledgehammers, or other equipment.

AI: Partial - Heavy and abrasive removal can be mechanized, yet the variability, need for on‑the‑spot judgment, and nonstandard environments make this only partially automatable in 2025.