Production & ManufacturingO*NET: 51-4032.00
Will AI Replace Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
87out of 100
Critical Risk
AI Risk Score
87/100
Risk Level
Critical
Job Zone
2/5
Entry
Total Tasks Analyzed
16
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
- ▸Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
- ▸Install tools in spindles.
- ▸Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.
- ▸Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (2)
- Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
- Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
👤Requires Humans (4)
- Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
- Install tools in spindles.
- Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.
- Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.
⚡AI-Assisted (10)
- Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
- Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
- Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
- Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
- Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
- Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
- Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
- Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.
Key Skills Analysis
Operations MonitoringAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.62/5.00
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Operation and Control
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Time ManagementAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Quality Control AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.75/5.00
Social PerceptivenessAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.75/5.00
Equipment Maintenance
Importance: 2.75/5.00
Troubleshooting
Importance: 2.75/5.00
Related Occupations
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
89/100 — Critical Risk
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
88/100 — Critical Risk
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
86/100 — Critical Risk
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
89/100 — Critical Risk
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
86/100 — Critical Risk
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have a critical risk of AI replacement with a score of 87/100. Many routine tasks in this role can be automated, but human oversight remains important.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research