Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations

examines drawings and specifications to determine operational requirements

AI tools like AutoCAD with AI plugins or Autodesk Fusion 360 can parse drawings and flag operational parameters, but a skilled worker must interpret and apply them to physical conditions.

operates press or hammer and repositions workpiece between strokes

AI-controlled press systems can optimise stroke parameters and monitor force feedback, but a human operator is still needed to reposition workpieces and respond to real-time material behaviour.

tempers and hardens forged pieces, as required, by quenching in oil or water

AI-connected temperature sensors and quench monitoring systems can help optimise tempering and hardening parameters, reducing trial-and-error, but the physical process still requires human oversight.

marks out metal plate with guidelines and reference points and cuts metal plate using hand or machine tools

AI-assisted CNC programming can help plan cut paths, but the physical marking, measuring, and hands-on cutting of metal plate requires skilled manual dexterity and real-world judgment.

uses machine tools to bend, curve, punch, drill and straighten metal plate as required

CNC machine tools can be programmed with AI-assisted toolpath optimisation, but setup, material handling, and quality checking still require an experienced operator on the shop floor.

creates mould units out of sand, loam or plaster by hand or machine and fits cores into mould to form hollow parts in casting

AI can assist with mould design optimisation in simulation software like Magmasoft, but the physical creation and fitting of sand or plaster moulds by hand remains a skilled manual craft.

scoops molten metal from furnace into die or die casting machine

Automated die casting machines exist, but scooping molten metal and managing furnace operations safely still requires a skilled worker; AI can assist with process monitoring and anomaly detection.

uses hydraulic jacks to position and align metal platework or frame for welding and bolting and rivets together metal plate and girders

AI has minimal direct role here; positioning, aligning, and riveting heavy metalwork requires physical strength, spatial judgment, and hands-on coordination that robots cannot yet replicate cost-effectively in most workshops.

seals seams with caulking compound, smooths welds, fixes metal doors, metal collars, portholes, tank and hatch covers and performs other metal plate finishing tasks using a variety of hand and power tools

Finishing tasks like caulking, smoothing welds, and fitting covers require tactile feedback and physical dexterity that AI cannot replicate; AI may assist only in quality inspection via computer vision.

heats metal for forging and positions heated metal on anvil or other work surface

Heating and positioning metal for forging is a physically demanding, sensory-driven task where AI has little direct role, though temperature monitoring sensors can feed data to AI systems.

uses forging tools to shape and cut metal and bends or shapes metal by hand forging methods using hammers, punches, drifts and other hand tools

Hand forging with hammers, punches, and drifts is a highly skilled physical craft where AI plays virtually no direct role, though AI simulation can help plan forging sequences in advance.

fits and secures horses shoes

Fitting and securing horseshoes requires hands-on assessment of hoof condition, animal behaviour management, and precise physical skill that AI cannot replicate in any practical sense today.