Production & ManufacturingO*NET: 51-4081.00
Will AI Replace Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
89out of 100
Critical Risk
AI Risk Score
89/100
Risk Level
Critical
Job Zone
2/5
Entry
Total Tasks Analyzed
18
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
- ▸Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
- ▸Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- ▸Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
- ▸Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
- ▸Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (3)
- Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
- Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
- Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
👤Requires Humans (4)
- Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
- Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
- Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
⚡AI-Assisted (11)
- Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
- Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
- Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
- Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
- Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
- Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
Key Skills Analysis
Operations MonitoringAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Quality Control AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.38/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Operation and Control
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Equipment Maintenance
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
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
Social PerceptivenessAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Troubleshooting
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Repairing
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Related Occupations
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
88/100 — Critical Risk
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
89/100 — Critical Risk
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
89/100 — Critical Risk
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
86/100 — Critical Risk
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
86/100 — Critical Risk
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have a critical risk of AI replacement with a score of 89/100. 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