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How exposed to AI is a Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Of the 17 tasks O*NET lists for drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, 0 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 17 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Bore Mill OperatorCNC Drilling Operator (Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator)CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)Drill OperatorDrill Press OperatorDrill Setup OperatorMachine OperatorPunch OperatorRadial Drill OperatorSetup Mill Operator
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
17
tasks rated for this occupation
7%
hold a degree, from a survey of 26
7k
people do this job in the US
98 of 107
least protected in production

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Cannot be sped up

17
  • Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges
  • Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements
  • Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds
  • Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles
  • Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations
  • Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches
  • Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties
  • Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems
  • Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces
  • Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas
  • Install tools in spindles
  • Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools
  • Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces
  • Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques
  • Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders
  • Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.