Robotics Technicians
Official O*NET title: Robotics Technicians (17-3024.01)
Also called: automation technician, electrical and instrumentation technician, instrument and automation technician, instrument specialist, instrument technician
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing robotics technicians work
5 of 15 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Amber (some AI use) — 33%.
This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Test performance of robotic assemblies, using instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Modify computer-controlled robot movements (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Build or assemble robotic devices or systems (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Align, fit, or assemble components, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Attach wires between controllers (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Evaluate the efficiency and reliability of industrial robotic systems, reprogramming or calibrating to achieve maximum quantity and quality (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Train customers or other staff to install, use, or maintain robots (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Document robotics test procedures and results (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Install new robotic systems in stationary positions or on tracks (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Develop three-dimensional simulations of automation systems — some recorded AI use
- Program complex robotic systems — no recorded AI use
- Develop robotic path motions to maximize efficiency, safety, and quality — no recorded AI use
- Fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures, using metalworking machines — no recorded AI use
- Train robots, using artificial intelligence software or interactive training techniques, to perform simple or complex tasks — no recorded AI use
- Inspect installation sites — no recorded AI use
- Maintain inventories of robotic production supplies — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems”. Try the prompt for: “Test performance of robotic assemblies, using instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges”.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and robotics technicians
Will AI replace robotics technicians?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 5 of the 15 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Amber rating (some AI use). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 16 of the 22 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which robotics technician tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems; test performance of robotic assemblies, using instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges; modify computer-controlled robot movements.
Which robotics technician tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment; install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors; maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 59% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a robotics technician start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.
See how this job ranks
Robotics Technicians ranks #246 of 572 jobs for the share of main tasks with AI use (#1 = most), and #11 of 37 in Engineering.
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