Will AI Replace Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians?

Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.

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

Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.

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

Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.

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

Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.

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

Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.

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

Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.

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

Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.

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

Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.

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

Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.

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

Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.

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

Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.

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

Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.

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

Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.

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

Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.

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

Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.

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

Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.

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

Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.

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

Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.

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

Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.

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

Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.

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

Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.

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

Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.

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

Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.

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

Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.

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

Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.

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

Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, and plant space.

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

Devise, fabricate, or assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.

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

Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, or drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.

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

Monitor, inspect, or test mechanical equipment.

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