Robotics Engineers
United States · BLS Employment Projections 2024–34 (figures for SOC 17-2199 occupational group)
AI exposure in published research
Figures below are reproduced from external datasets without modification. Where a dataset does not cover this occupation, the value is shown as — rather than as zero.
Data provider: OpenAI · "GPTs are GPTs"
Time basis: 2023 baselineex-ante estimate
Scored against GPT-4-generation capability.
- Human rater basis
- 47.7%
- GPT-4 rater basis
- 59.1%
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
24 rated tasks · 19 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (79.2%)
- Version:
- gh-main-0471612
- License:
- MIT License · Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Data provider: Anthropic Economic Index
Time basis: Published 2026-03-05composite index
- Observed exposure
- 6.6%
Theoretical exposure index weighted by measured Claude usage, per the original report's definition.
202 tasks · usage observed in 18 · mean 7.4%
Data: Anthropic Economic Index — labor_market_impacts, CC-BY, https://huggingface.co/datasets/Anthropic/EconomicIndex
AI Changing Work uses Anthropic Economic Index data under CC-BY; Anthropic does not endorse or sponsor this site or its analyses.
- Version:
- hf-lmi-2026-03
- License:
- CC BY 4.0
- Observation period:
- — (not applicable to this release)
- Model:
- — (not stated by the source)
- Definition source:
- https://www.anthropic.com/research/labor-market-impacts
2023 prediction vs observation-based index published 2026-03-05
One card (GPTs are GPTs) is a 2023 estimate of what AI could theoretically do; the other (Anthropic Economic Index) is built from observed usage and was published on 2026-03-05 — that is its publication date, not the period it observed. They measure different things, so the two figures cannot be added, averaged, or ranked against each other. The older figure is kept here as a baseline for comparison rather than removed.
Caution: the Anthropic figures — observed exposure and task penetration — take the Eloundou β as one of their inputs. The two sides resembling each other is therefore not evidence that the earlier prediction came true; reading it that way is circular reasoning.
The Anthropic figures are measured on Claude users, who are not the whole economy and not the whole workforce.
The mapping of O*NET tasks and occupation codes was performed by AI Changing Work. The source figures themselves were not modified.
These indices are not forecasts. Which point in time each one belongs to is stated on the badge on its card.
Task Breakdown
- Design robotic systems
- Program robot behavior
- Test and evaluate prototypes
- Integrate AI with hardware
About This Occupation
If you work as a Robotics Engineer, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 37/100 and overall exposure at 50%, this role faces high transformation. The highest-impact area is program robot behavior at 65% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role, meaning AI amplifies your capabilities rather than replacing you. BLS projects +7% growth through 2034. As AI-driven design tools and simulation software mature, robotics engineers who master these tools will lead the next wave of industrial automation.
ISCO-08 classification
Engineering Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified
Definition
ILO original text (English)
This unit group covers engineering professionals not classified elsewhere in Minor Group 214: Engineering Professionals (excluding Electrotechnology) or in Minor Group 215: Electrotechnology Engineers. For instance, the group includes those who conduct research and advise on or develop engineering procedures and solutions concerning workplace safety, biomedical engineering, optics, materials, nuclear power generation and explosives.
Definition & vocabulary source
Source: International Labour Organization (ILO) — ISCO-08 Structure
License: ILO CC BY 4.0
Official occupational information
- ONET17-2031.00
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
View original - ONET17-2131.00
Materials Engineers
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
View original - ONET17-2161.00
Nuclear Engineers
Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
View original - ONET17-2199.00
Engineers, All Other
All engineers not listed separately.
View original - ONET17-2199.08
Robotics Engineers
Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.
View original
Frequently Asked Questions
The Anthropic Economic Index puts observed exposure at 6.6%. The OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" rubric puts occupation-level β at 47.7% under human raters. Both figures are reproduced from published research without modification.
They come from two published datasets: the Anthropic Economic Index (labor_market_impacts, CC BY 4.0) and the OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric (MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI). AI Changing Work maps them onto O*NET occupation and task codes and does not calculate exposure scores of its own. AI Changing Work uses Anthropic Economic Index data under CC-BY; Anthropic does not endorse or sponsor this site or its analyses.
No. They are a diagnosis of exposure as measured at the time each source dataset was published. AI Changing Work publishes no prediction of future automation or job displacement for this occupation.
Recent Changes Affecting This Occupation
Mar 2026: Published blog: Will AI Replace Robotics Technicians? 50% exposure, K median, 7% growth.
[Source: ACW Blog]Mar 2026: Published evergreen blog analysis: AI exposure 50%, automation risk 37/100 in 2025.
[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]