Robotics Technicians
Machines can already do 19% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 47%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Robotics Technicians in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 19% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2036, and 47% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 15,520 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $73,900 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 66% for contact with people.
- Also called: Automation Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician), Instrument and Automation Technician, Instrument Specialist.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics | 14% | 3% to 30% | |
| Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors | 11% | 3% to 30% | |
| Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components | 11% | 3% to 30% | |
| Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors | 8% | 3% to 30% | |
| Align, fit, or assemble components, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes | 6% | 3% to 30% | |
| Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems | 5% | 70% to 95% | |
| Modify computer-controlled robot movements | 5% | 65% to 92% | |
| Evaluate the efficiency and reliability of industrial robotic systems, reprogramming or calibrating to achieve maximum quantity and quality | 5% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills robotics technicians use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians41% of tasks by 2035 · US median $56,550
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers43% of tasks by 2035 · US median $109,910
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists34% of tasks by 2035 · US median $61,770
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles40% of tasks by 2035 · US median $48,420
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Robotics Technicians?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2036. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of robotics technicians?
Machines can do 19% of the tasks of robotics technicians today and 47% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 17-3024.01 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Robotics Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/robotics-technicians/