Millwrights

Operate engine lathe to grind, file, and turn machine parts to dimensional specifications.

AI: Fully automatable - Full — CNC lathes and automated grinding/finishing systems can perform turning, grinding, and machining to dimensional specifications without human operation in many production contexts.

Insert shims, adjust tension on nuts and bolts, or position parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments, to set specified clearances between moving and stationary parts.

AI: Partial - Precision alignment and shimming can be assisted or executed by specialized fixtures and robots in controlled setups, but the breadth of millwright tasks and on‑site variability mean full automation is not yet generalizable.

Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit.

AI: Partial - AI and automation tools can guide and instrument precise leveling and centerline establishment and some robotic systems can execute in controlled setups, but fully autonomous, reliable execution across varied field conditions is not generally available by 2025.

Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.

AI: Partial - Laser tools and AI-assisted alignment systems can automate parts of machine alignment in predictable environments, but complex use of hoists, jacks and fine manual adjustments in diverse field settings still requires human skill.

Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.

AI: Partial - Robots and AI can fully automate repetitive assembly tasks in factories, but on-site equipment installation using hand and power tools across varied, unstructured contexts remains only partially automatable.

Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.

AI: Partial - AI can provide signals or automate crane commands in controlled/remote systems, yet the safety, human factors, and regulatory variability of on-site crane signaling mean full autonomous replacement of the human signaler is not broadly realized.

Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.

AI: Partial - Predictive maintenance, diagnostics, and some automated lubrication can be handled by AI-driven systems, but the breadth of repair tasks and variable physical interventions mean maintenance and repair are only partially automatable.

Replace defective parts of machine or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.

AI: Partial - Robotic systems can replace specific modular parts and perform alignment in controlled contexts, but complex part replacement and nuanced clearance adjustments in diverse machinery and field situations still need human technicians.

Attach moving parts and subassemblies to basic assembly unit, using hand tools and power tools.

AI: Partial - Attaching moving parts and subassemblies can be automated for repetitive, pre-engineered components, but field variability and dexterous use of handheld tools limit full automation in typical millwright work.

Assemble machines, and bolt, weld, rivet, or otherwise fasten them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.

AI: Partial - Bolting, welding, and riveting are highly automatable in shop settings with robotic systems, but assembling and fastening machines to foundations in variable field conditions remains only partially automatable.

Lay out mounting holes, using measuring instruments, and drill holes with power drill.

AI: Partial - AI and machine-guided measurement systems can lay out holes and robotic drills can execute them in controlled setups, but portable marking and drilling across unpredictable field sites are not fully automated yet.

Position steel beams to support bedplates of machines and equipment, using blueprints and schematic drawings, to determine work procedures.

AI: Partial - AI can interpret blueprints and plan procedures and some crane/robot systems can position beams in controlled environments, however full autonomous positioning of structural beams in varied jobsite conditions is not widely realized by 2025.

Shrink-fit bushings, sleeves, rings, liners, gears, and wheels to specified items, using portable gas heating equipment.

AI: Partial - AI can control heating systems and provide precise temperature profiles or guidance, but the hands-on setup, positioning, and safety management of portable gas heating in variable field conditions prevent full automation by 2025.

Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.

AI: Partial - AI can plan lifts, operate cranes/hoists remotely, and optimize rigging in structured environments, but manual rigging, unpredictable sites, and fine maneuvering of heavy equipment still require human work in most real-world settings.

Dismantle machinery and equipment for shipment to installation site, usually performing installation and maintenance work as part of team.

AI: Partial - AI and augmented-instruction systems can guide and sequence disassembly/packing and assist teams, yet the highly variable mechanical contexts and physical dexterity needed for many dismantling and reassembly tasks prevent complete automation.

Weld, repair, and fabricate equipment or machinery.

AI: Partial - Automated robotic welding and CNC fabrication are mature in controlled shops, but on-site repair and ad-hoc fabrication/fitting with variable geometries still demand human intervention and judgement.

Dismantle machines, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.

AI: Partial - Robotic manipulators can perform some tool-based disassembly repetitively, but diverse fasteners, confined spaces, and tactile nuances of manual hand-tool work limit full AI automation in the field.

Fabricate and dismantle parts, equipment, and machines, using a cutting torch or other cutting equipment.

AI: Partial - Automated plasma/laser cutting is effective in controlled settings and AI can guide cutting operations, but portable cutting-torch fabrication and field dismantling with unpredictable conditions remain only partially automatable.

Bolt parts, such as side and deck plates, jaw plates, and journals, to basic assembly unit.

AI: Partial - Automated fastening tools and guided robots can fully bolt components in repeatable production contexts, but variable in-situ bolting tasks common to millwright work (large parts, awkward access) still require human setup and oversight.

Construct foundation for machines, using hand tools and building materials such as wood, cement, and steel.

AI: Partial - AI can design, level, and even control some machinery for foundation work, but the broad range of site preparation, bespoke concrete/steel work, and physical finishing means construction of machine foundations is not fully automatable by 2025.

Install robot and modify its program, using teach pendant.

AI: Partial - AI can generate and modify robot programs and simulate them, and remote interfaces reduce teach-pendant work, but physical installation, wiring, safety validation, and hands-on teach-pendant adjustments typically still require human technicians.

Troubleshoot equipment, electrical components, hydraulics, or other mechanical systems.

AI: Partial - AI diagnostic tools and model-based troubleshooting can identify many faults and prescribe tests, yet complex multi-domain failures (electrical, hydraulic, mechanical) and hands-on verification often need human expertise and intervention.

Connect power unit to machines or steam piping to equipment, and test unit to evaluate its mechanical operation.

AI: Partial - Partial — diagnostic systems and robots can handle standardized connections and testing, but variable on-site steam/power hookups and safety-critical decisions still require human intervention.