Will AI Replace Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining?

Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.

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

Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.

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

Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.

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

Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.

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

Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.

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

Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.

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

Create or maintain inclines or ramps.

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

Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.

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

Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.

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

Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.

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

Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.

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

Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.

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

Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.

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

Drive machines to work sites.

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

Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand.

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