Set up, operate, or tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine sliver, such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers. Includes slubber machine and drawing frame operators.
U.S. Workers
20,600
Median Salary
$37,660
10-Year Growth
-9.0%
Annual Openings
2,500
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
24 of 24 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
AI: Fully automatable - AI monitoring and anomaly-detection systems can detect malfunctions and automatically notify supervisors or mechanics in real time.
Start machines, monitor operation, and make adjustments as needed.
AI: Fully automatable - Starting machines, continuous monitoring, and making parameter adjustments is routinely automated by control systems augmented with AI for adaptive tuning and fault handling.
Inspect products to verify that they meet specifications and to determine whether machine adjustment is needed.
AI: Fully automatable - Automated vision systems and closed-loop process control in 2025 can verify product specifications and trigger or recommend machine adjustments in many textile processes.
Observe operations to detect defects, malfunctions, or supply shortages.
AI: Fully automatable - Sensor networks and computer-vision/analytics systems can reliably detect defects, malfunctions, and supply shortages in real time and are widely used by 2025.
Operate machines for test runs to verify adjustments and to obtain product samples.
AI: Fully automatable - Controlling machines for test runs and collecting sample data is routine for PLCs and automated test systems, so AI/software can fully automate these tasks in 2025.
Record production data such as numbers and types of bobbins wound.
AI: Fully automatable - Counting and logging production metrics is straightforward to fully automate using sensors, PLCs, and factory software systems available by 2025.
Stop machines when specified amount of products has been produced.
AI: Fully automatable - Simple counting and control tasks are straightforward for PLCs and AI to implement, enabling automatic stop when the specified quantity has been produced.
Unwind lengths of yarn, thread, or twine from spools and wind onto bobbins.
AI: Fully automatable - Unwinding and winding operations are already routinely handled by specialized automated winding machines and control systems.
Observe bobbins as they are winding and cut threads to remove loaded bobbins, using knives.
AI: Fully automatable - Computer vision for monitoring plus automated cutting and doffing mechanisms enable fully automated observation, thread cutting, and bobbin removal in many modern lines.
Adjust machine settings such as speed or tension to produce products that meet specifications.
AI: Fully automatable - Closed‑loop controls and AI-driven optimizers can adjust speed and tension to meet specs automatically without human intervention.
Remove spindles from machines and bobbins from spindles.
AI: Fully automatable - Automated doffing equipment and robotic handlers are capable of removing spindles and bobbins in contemporary production setups.
Tend machines with multiple winding units that wind thread onto shuttle bobbins for use on sewing machines or other kinds of bobbins for sole-stitching, knitting, or weaving machinery.
AI: Partial - AI can monitor multiple winding units, manage schedules, and signal interventions, but the physical tending actions (e.g., replacing bobbins, clearing tangles) often still require human labor or specialized robotics not universally deployed.
Tend machines that wind wire onto bobbins, preparatory to formation of wire netting used in reinforcing sheet glass.
AI: Partial - Winding wire onto bobbins is mechanized, but the broader tending tasks for this specific application (handling wire breaks, setup variations) are only partially automatable as of 2025.
Tend machines that twist together two or more strands of yarn or insert additional twists into single strands of yarn to increase strength, smoothness, or uniformity of yarn.
AI: Partial - The twisting operation itself is already mechanical, but the full set of machine-tending tasks (responding to breaks, rethreading, nuanced adjustments) remains only partially automatable with current robotics and sensing.
Replace depleted supply packages with full packages.
AI: Partial - Robotic end-of-line and automatic bobbin changers exist and can replace supply packages, but wide variability in package types and space constraints make full automation situational in 2025.
Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
AI: Partial - Automatic threaders and guided automation cover many cases, but delicate, variable threading tasks still often require human dexterity and judgment, so capability is partial.
Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
AI: Partial - Predictive maintenance and sensor diagnostics can flag many repair needs, but comprehensive inspections and complex repair judgments still require human expertise, so automation is partial.
Place bobbins on spindles and insert spindles into bobbin-winding machines.
AI: Partial - Automated bobbin loaders and spindle changers exist, but physical variability and integration challenges mean manual intervention remains common, so capability is partial.
Study guides, samples, charts, and specification sheets, or confer with supervisors or engineering staff to determine setup requirements.
AI: Partial - AI can parse guides, samples, and specs and facilitate communication, but complex interpretation and on-site judgment about setups still typically require human oversight.
Measure bobbins periodically, using gauges, and turn screws to adjust tension if bobbins are not of specified size.
AI: Partial - Sensors and actuators can measure and adjust in some automated systems, but the periodic manual gauging and fine mechanical screw adjustments remain only partially automated in most plants.
Install, level, and align machine components such as gears, chains, guides, dies, cutters, or needles to set up machinery for operation.
AI: Partial - Precise installation, leveling, and alignment demand dexterous manipulation and nuanced judgment that robots and AI can only partially replicate as of 2025.
Tend spinning frames that draw out and twist roving or sliver into yarn.
AI: Partial - Monitoring and control of spinning frames can be assisted or partially automated, but frequent manual interventions (rethreading, troubleshooting) limit full automation today.
Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.
AI: Partial - Some lubrication and simple cleaning tasks can be automated, but comprehensive cleaning, detailed oiling, and maintenance still largely require human hands and judgment.
Repair or replace worn or defective parts or components, using hand tools.
AI: Partial - General repair and replacement with hand tools requires varied manual dexterity, troubleshooting, and ad hoc work that AI and robots can assist with but cannot fully perform in most real-world settings as of 2025.