Helpers--Production Workers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (6%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (9%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 29 (85%)

• Record information, such as the number of products tested, meter readings, or dates and times of product production.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Read gauges or charts, and record data obtained.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Count finished products to determine if product orders are complete.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Measure amounts of products, lengths of extruded articles, or weights of filled containers to ensure conformance to specifications.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Start machines or equipment to begin production processes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove products, machine attachments, or waste material from machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transfer finished products, raw materials, tools, or equipment between storage and work areas of plants and warehouses, by hand or using hand trucks or powered lift trucks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Pack and store materials and products.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Help production workers by performing duties of lesser skill, such as supplying or holding materials or tools, or cleaning work areas and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Separate products according to weight, grade, size, or composition of materials used to produce them.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Turn valves to regulate flow of liquids or air, to reverse machines, to start pumps, or to regulate equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Mark or tag identification on parts.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Dump materials such as prepared ingredients into machine hoppers prior to mixing.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Mix ingredients according to specified procedures or formulas.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Tie products in bundles for further processing or shipment, following prescribed procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Unclamp and hoist full reels from braiding, winding, or other fabricating machines, using power hoists.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Signal coworkers to direct them to move products during the production process.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Clean and lubricate equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Prepare raw materials for processing.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Perform minor repairs to machines, such as replacing damaged or worn parts.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Change machine gears, using wrenches.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Attach slings, ropes, or cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, or bundles.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Position spouts or chutes of storage bins so that containers can be filled.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Wash work areas, machines, equipment, vehicles, or products.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Fold products and product parts during processing.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Break up defective products for reprocessing.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Thread ends of items such as thread, cloth, and lace through needles and rollers, and around take-up tubes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Cut or break flashing from materials or products.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task