Will AI Replace Structural Iron and Steel Workers?

Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.

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

Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.

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

Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.

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

Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.

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

Hoist steel beams, girders, or columns into place, using cranes or signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members.

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

Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, or levels.

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

Cut, bend, or weld steel pieces, using metal shears, torches, or welding equipment.

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

Erect metal or precast concrete components for structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, or highway guard rails.

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

Force structural steel members into final positions, using turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks, or hand tools.

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

Pull, push, or pry structural steel members into approximate positions for bolting into place.

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

Unload and position prefabricated steel units for hoisting, as needed.

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

Drive drift pins through rivet holes to align rivet holes in structural steel members with corresponding holes in previously placed members.

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

Assemble hoisting equipment or rigging, such as cables, pulleys, or hooks, to move heavy equipment or materials.

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

Fabricate metal parts, such as steel frames, columns, beams, or girders, according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors.

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

Dismantle structures or equipment.

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

Ride on girders or other structural steel members to position them, or use rope to guide them into position.

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

Hold rivets while riveters use air hammers to form heads on rivets.

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

Insert sealing strips, wiring, insulating material, ladders, flanges, gauges, or valves, depending on types of structures being assembled.

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

Place blocks under reinforcing bars used to reinforce floors.

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