Often handed to AI
Task areas most often handled directively in observed AI conversations — candidates to delegate with light review.
- Operate robots to perform customized tasks, such as environmental cleanup or explosive detection operations. · 1.4%
Robotics Technicians
Occupation · SOC 17-3024.01
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Also called: Automation Technician · Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician) · Instrument Specialist · Process Control Technician · Instrument Technician · Instrument and Automation Technician · Instrumentation and Controls Technician · Instrumentation and Process Controls Technician · Programmable Logic Controllers Technician · Assembly Technician · Automation Control Integrator · Automation Control Technician
Job family: Architecture and Engineering Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-17-3024-01/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Use as a copilot
Task areas where people work with AI — iterating, learning, or checking — staying in the loop rather than handing the task off.
- Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems. · 1.2%
Keep a human in the loop
Task areas where a human was still judged necessary in a large share of observed conversations — not a safety ruling, an observed-need signal.
- Operate robots to perform customized tasks, such as environmental cleanup or explosive detection operations. · 100.0% need a human
- Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems. · 86.1% need a human
Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- About average employment outlook (+1.1% by 2034)
- 1,300 openings/yr
- Moderate AI exposure
- Observed AI use leans automation
- Median pay $70,760/yr
- Work is mostly on-site (not teleworkable)
- 2013 flagged this for computerization (65th); today's AI task-overlap is comparatively low (46th)
46th-percentile task overlap — yet about 1,300 openings a year (+1.1% projected, BLS), and observed AI use leans 4229% copilot, not hand-off (AEI) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) Moderate | 40th | -0.3 | |
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Moderate | 44th | 0.5 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) Moderate | 58th | 0.2 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.3), with simple added tooling (β 0.4), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.5). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
This job mostly cannot be done remotely (Dingel–Neiman) — its hands-on tasks sit outside what software-based AI reaches.
Historical automation estimate (2013)
A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
Frey–Osborne probability 0.8 · 65th percentile among occupations · Moderate
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems. | 1.1% | |
| Modify computer-controlled robot movements. | 0.5% | |
| Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics. | 0.3% | |
| Develop three-dimensional simulations of automation systems. | 0.3% | |
| Build or assemble robotic devices or systems. | 0.2% |
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | About average · +1.1% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 1,300 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 15,000 → 15,100 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Where this work sits on the global GenAI gradient
The ILO's 2025 global study scores generative-AI exposure on the international ISCO-08 occupation system, not US SOC. Bridged through the published (and approximate, many-to-many) IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 crosswalk, this US occupation corresponds to the international 2 occupations below. Exposure here means how much of the work's tasks today's AI can attempt — task overlap, not automation, adoption, or jobs lost.
Robotics Technicians sits at the 49th percentile of 427
occupations on the global GenAI task-exposure gradient
— exposure eased from 2023 to 2025. Each dot is one occupation; the
ringed one is this work. Exposure is task overlap, not automation or jobs lost.
27% mean task exposure (2025)
49th percentile of 427 placed occupations
−4 pts shift 2023 → 2025
| International occupation (ISCO-08) | Task exposure (2025) | Most tasks fall in |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technicians · 3113 | 27% | Not exposed |
| Mechanical Engineering Technicians · 3115 | 26% | Not exposed |
Read the whole six-band gradient on the GenAI exposure gradient page. The crosswalk is approximate: a US occupation can map to several international ones, and the ILO scores describe the international occupation, not this exact US role.
Working with AI in this job
How people actually apply AI to this occupation's tasks, from Claude.ai (Free and Pro) conversations in the Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15. This is one AI assistant's consumer sample — not all AI, not the whole workforce. Autonomy and the collaboration mix are model-rated estimates; figures below the sample floor are hidden.
| Augmentation vs. automation | 42.3% working with AI · 43.5% handed to AI |
| Most common way people use AI here | Directive · AI does it; you give the instruction |
| Typical AI autonomy | 3.0 / 5 · higher = AI acts more independently |
| Used for work (vs. personal / coursework) | 6.7% |
What people delegate to AI
The role's most common tasks in AI conversations, each tagged with how people work with the AI on it. “Usage” is the share of observed conversations, not of the job.
| Task | How | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Operate robots to perform customized tasks, such as environmental cleanup or explosive detection operations. | Directive | 1.4% |
| Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems. | Learning | 1.2% |
Where a human is still needed
Tasks where the model most often judged that a person remained necessary — a useful read on the current boundary, not a guarantee.
| Operate robots to perform customized tasks, such as environmental cleanup or explosive detection operations. | 100.0% | |
| Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems. | 86.1% |
What people most often hand AI here
Example prompts phrased from the tasks people most often delegate to AI in this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index). Each shows the underlying measured task and its share of observed AI use. They are suggested phrasings of real tasks — starting points, not endorsed instructions.
-
Help me operate robots to perform customized tasks, such as environmental cleanup or explosive detection operations.From: Operate robots to perform customized tasks, such as environmental cleanup or explosive detection operations. · 1.4% of measured AI use · directive
-
Help me assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems.From: Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems. · 1.2% of measured AI use · learning
Tasks
All 23 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors. Core · importance 4.2
- Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics. Core · importance 4.2
- Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors. Core · importance 4.2
- Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems. Core · importance 4.2
- Modify computer-controlled robot movements. Core · importance 4.1
- Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components. Core · importance 4.1
- Align, fit, or assemble components, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes. Core · importance 4.0
- Attach wires between controllers. Core · importance 3.9
- Evaluate the efficiency and reliability of industrial robotic systems, reprogramming or calibrating to achieve maximum quantity and quality. Core · importance 3.8
- Program complex robotic systems, such as vision systems. Supplemental · importance 3.8
- Develop robotic path motions to maximize efficiency, safety, and quality. Supplemental · importance 3.8
- Test performance of robotic assemblies, using instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges. Core · importance 3.8
- Train customers or other personnel to install, use, or maintain robots. Core · importance 3.6
- Build or assemble robotic devices or systems. Core · importance 3.6
- Fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures, using metalworking machines. Supplemental · importance 3.5
- Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems. Core · importance 3.5
- Document robotics test procedures and results. Core · importance 3.5
- Install new robotic systems in stationary positions or on tracks. Core · importance 3.3
- Train robots, using artificial intelligence software or interactive training techniques, to perform simple or complex tasks, such as designing and carrying out a series of iterative tests of chemical samples. Supplemental · importance 3.3
- Inspect installation sites. Supplemental · importance 3.2
- Maintain inventories of robotic production supplies, such as sensors or cables. Supplemental · importance 3.2
- Develop three-dimensional simulations of automation systems. Supplemental · importance 3.0
- Operate robots to perform customized tasks, such as environmental cleanup or explosive detection operations. Supplemental
Work activities
- Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
- Program robotic equipment.
- Maintain operational records or records systems.
- Fabricate products or components using machine tools.
- Prepare procedural documents.
- Document design or operational test results.
- Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.
- Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
- Assemble equipment or components.
- Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
- Determine causes of operational problems or failures.
- Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
- Maintain electromechanical equipment.
- Install production equipment or systems.
- Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
- Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
- Repair electronic equipment.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Computers and Electronics | 4.4 | |
| Engineering and Technology | 4.4 | |
| Mechanical | 3.7 | |
| Design | 3.5 | |
| Mathematics | 3.5 | |
| English Language | 3.5 | |
| Production and Processing | 3.3 | |
| Physics | 3.3 |
Abilities
| Deductive Reasoning | 4.1 | |
| Oral Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Written Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 4.0 | |
| Near Vision | 4.0 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.9 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.9 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.9 | |
| Finger Dexterity | 3.9 | |
| Visualization | 3.8 | |
| Manual Dexterity | 3.8 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.6 | |
| Control Precision | 3.6 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.6 | |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.5 | |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 3.5 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.3 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.3 |
Transferable skills
| Troubleshooting | 4.0 | |
| Repairing | 4.0 | |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.9 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.8 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.6 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.4 |
Essential skills
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 | |
| Active Listening | 3.8 | |
| Writing | 3.3 | |
| Speaking | 3.3 | |
| Active Learning | 3.1 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Showing the top 40 of 45.
Tools & technology
Showing the top 40 of 51.
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Typical entry-level education
- Associate's degree · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Preparation level
- SVP (6.0 to < 7.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 45.5% | |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 22.7% | |
| Bachelor's Degree | 18.2% | |
| High School Diploma | 9.1% | |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 4.5% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Realistic | 6.9 | |
| Conventional | 4.7 | |
| Investigative | 3.9 |
Interest areas
| Mechanics/Electronics | 6.8 | |
| Engineering | 6.2 | |
| Information Technology | 4.5 | |
| Physical/Manual Labor | 2.9 | |
| Mathematics/Statistics | 2.6 | |
| Physical Science | 2.0 | |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | 1.8 |
Work styles
| Attention to Detail | 2.6 | |
| Dependability | 2.4 | |
| Cautiousness | 2.0 | |
| Intellectual Curiosity | 1.8 | |
| Achievement Orientation | 1.7 | |
| Adaptability | 1.7 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $47,770 |
| 25th percentile | $58,570 |
| Median (50th) | $70,760 |
| 75th percentile | $87,320 |
| 90th percentile | $109,580 |
| People employed | 14,680 |
Wages and employment are reported by BLS for the broader occupation group this specialty belongs to (SOC 17-3024), not for the specialty alone.
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing · Sector | 7,230 | $66,680 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 3,410 | $78,790 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 1,390 | $73,340 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 950 | $64,390 |
| Transportation and Warehousing · Sector | 900 | $67,640 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 660 | $62,450 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 450 | $65,230 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction · Sector | 320 | $99,200 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) · Sector | 290 | $54,090 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 210 | $74,060 |
| Construction · Sector | 140 | $78,890 |
| Testing Laboratories and Services · National industry | 140 | $67,600 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Services · National industry | 12.63× | 1,390 |
| Testing Laboratories and Services · National industry | 8.63× | 140 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 5.95× | 7,230 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction · Sector | 5.86× | 320 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 3.33× | 3,410 |
| Utilities · Sector | 1.81× | 100 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 1.78× | 450 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 1.65× | 950 |
Related occupations
Part of the Advanced Manufacturing career cluster.
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians · 17-3023.00 Compare →
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians · 17-3028.00 Compare →
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians · 17-3024.00 Compare →
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians · 17-3027.00 Compare →
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians · 17-3021.00 Compare →
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment · 49-2094.00 Compare →
- Photonics Technicians · 17-3029.08 Compare →
- Avionics Technicians · 49-2091.00 Compare →
- Automotive Engineering Technicians · 17-3027.01 Compare →
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians · 17-3026.00 Compare →
- Robotics Engineers · 17-2199.08 Compare →
- Mechatronics Engineers · 17-2199.05 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Robotics Technicians — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians Compare →
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians Compare →
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians Compare →
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Compare →
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Compare →
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- Associate's degree · typical entry level
- Job zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians · field of study
Zoom out
On the global GenAI exposure gradient this work sits around the 49th percentile of 427 international occupations.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Robotics Technicians show 46th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 1,300 annual U.S. openings
- Robotics Technicians rank in the 46th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 1,300 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be about average (+1.1%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $70,760, across about 14,680 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
- Of the AI use actually observed for this work, 42% looks like augmentation (drafting, iterating, checking) rather than hands-off automation — from a Claude.ai usage sample, not a census.2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2
Copy the whole kit
Robotics Technicians show 46th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 1,300 annual U.S. openings • Robotics Technicians rank in the 46th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 1,300 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be about average (+1.1%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $70,760, across about 14,680 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) • Of the AI use actually observed for this work, 42% looks like augmentation (drafting, iterating, checking) rather than hands-off automation — from a Claude.ai usage sample, not a census. (2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2) Source: Singulariki — "Robotics Technicians". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-17-3024-01 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
- AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans academic
- ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025 International Labour Organization
- IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022 Institute for Structural Research (IBS)
- Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation academic
- Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Robotics Technicians." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-17-3024-01
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Robotics Technicians. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-17-3024-01
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-17-3024-01,
title = {Robotics Technicians},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-17-3024-01}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.