Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

Helpers in installation and repair still mostly use people, but some tools and AI are starting to help. For example, instead of a person always checking machinery for defects, factories use smart sensors and cameras with AI dots to catch problems early ^[1]. This “predictive maintenance” means a computer can watch machines and warn us about trouble before it breaks.

In large warehouses, small autonomous vehicles and robots already carry parts and tools from place to place, easing the helper’s job of hauling supplies. Cleaning robots are also used in some factories to wash floors or equipment (think of a big smart Roomba) – though most of the cleaning and oiling of machines is still done by people right now.

Whether more AI comes into these jobs depends on costs and needs. Highly automated tools do exist (for example, AI-based inspection cameras and self-driving forklifts), but they are expensive and best suited to big plants with lots of production. If a factory can hire enough helpers cheaply, there’s less pressure to replace them with robotics.

However, if skilled workers are hard to find or if robots can save downtime, factories will invest in automation ^[3]. Right now, most companies use AI to help workers rather than fully replace them.