Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.

“Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.” is a supplemental task performed by Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. Among the occupation's 27 rated tasks, workers place it 11th by importance (#17 most important). About 73% of workers say it is relevant to their job.

This is a single occupation-specific task statement from O*NET. The figures below describe how central the task is to the job and what independent studies measure about AI and this kind of work — not a prediction that the task will be automated.

Work activities this task rolls up to

O*NET groups concrete tasks into broader work activities shared across many occupations.

• Program computer systems or production equipment. in Working with Computers

AI exposure

The OpenAI / Eloundou “GPTs are GPTs” study rates this task E1. Direct exposure — a language model could plausibly cut the time to do this task by at least half.

Exposure measures whether a model could meaningfully speed the task up — it is an estimate of overlap with model capabilities, not a measure of whether the work will be done by software. The study's intermediate score (β) for this task is 1.00. Automation potential label: T3.

How AI is actually used on this kind of task

The Anthropic Economic Index observes how people actually use AI on tasks like this one across millions of real conversations.

• 0.003% share of AI-use records mapped to this task

Observed AI use describes people choosing to use AI as a tool on this kind of task today. It is augmentation and assistance, not a measure of jobs replaced.

Other tasks in this occupation

• Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures. · importance 4.8
• Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces. · importance 4.7
• Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments. · importance 4.6
• Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences. · importance 4.6
• Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. · importance 4.6
• Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems. · importance 4.5
• Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers. · importance 4.5
• Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts. · importance 4.5
• Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links. · importance 4.5
• Remove and replace dull cutting tools. · importance 4.5
• Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation. · importance 4.5
• Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction. · importance 4.4
• Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions. · importance 4.4
• Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools. · importance 4.4

See all tasks on the Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators page.

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
• Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
• “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic

Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.

@misc{singulariki-task-11956,
  title  = {Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.},
  author = {{Singulariki}},
  year   = {2026},
  note   = {O*NET 30.3; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026},
  url    = {https://singulariki.com/tasks/task-11956}
}