Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Some parts of hazardous cleanup are starting to use AI and robots, but most work is still manual. For example, new computer‐vision tools can spot asbestos on rooftops using aerial photos, with over 80–90% accuracy ^{[1] [2]}. Engineers are also building mobile robots to scrape and vacuum away asbestos on site ^[3].

Self-driving forklifts can move heavy containers in big warehouses ^[4]. In one UK project, autonomous robots are even sorting radioactive waste to keep workers safe ^[5]. However, tasks like setting up plastic containment areas, securely packing toxic materials, and closely following safety laws still need skilled people.

These jobs require judgment, flexibility and careful handling that machines can’t fully do yet (no machine can decide if you zipped up your suit or set warning signs, for example).

Adopting AI in hazmat work is driven by safety and cost factors. Robots can keep people out of danger – for instance, a nuclear cleanup agency spent millions on robots so workers don’t have to sort radioactive debris ^[5]. There are also not enough skilled workers, so companies look at self-driving forklifts and sorting bots to help with heavy parts ^[4].

But developing these systems is expensive and hard. Researchers note that moving around dusty construction sites with lots of tools presents “specific challenges” for robots (like tricky sensors and mobility) ^[3]. Also, strict safety rules and training are still needed.

In short, AI tools are arriving slowly – they help with some parts (spotting or lifting waste) ^{[1] [4]}, but human skills (like care, experience, and on-the-spot decisions) remain very important.