Will AI Replace Automotive Body and Related Repairers?

File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Remove small pits and dimples in body metal, using pick hammers and punches.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle bodies and fenders.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Adjust or align headlights, wheels, and brake systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Replace damaged glass on vehicles.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Remove damaged panels, and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on a vehicle.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Apply heat to plastic panels, using hot-air welding guns or immersion in hot water, and press the softened panels back into shape by hand.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clean work areas, using air hoses, to remove damaged material and discarded fiberglass strips used in repair procedures.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Soak fiberglass matting in resin mixtures and apply layers of matting over repair areas to specified thicknesses.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Read specifications or confer with customers to determine the desired custom modifications for altering the appearance of vehicles.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Cut openings in vehicle bodies for the installation of customized windows, using templates and power shears or chisels.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Measure and mark vinyl material and cut material to size for roof installation, using rules, straightedges, and hand shears.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.