Production & ManufacturingO*NET: 51-9162.00
Will AI Replace Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
92out of 100
Critical Risk
AI Risk Score
92/100
Risk Level
Critical
Job Zone
2/5
Entry
Total Tasks Analyzed
14
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- ▸Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- ▸Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- ▸Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
- ▸Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- ▸Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (9)
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
- Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
- Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
- Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
👤Requires Humans (1)
- Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
⚡AI-Assisted (4)
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
- Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
- Order tooling for jobs.
Key Skills Analysis
ProgrammingAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.75/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.50/5.00
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Operations MonitoringAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Systems AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Operation and Control
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Troubleshooting
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Quality Control AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Systems Evaluation
Importance: 3.00/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers have a critical risk of AI replacement with a score of 92/100. Many routine tasks in this role can be automated, but human oversight remains important.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research