AI exposure Production
Will AI replace model makers?
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic. US occupation 51-4061.
The reading
0.0%
of the time model makers spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of model makers' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.
Ranked 346 of 756 US occupations. No AI use seen in the work yet, along with 410 other occupations.No handover started yet, along with 410 other occupations.
Per cent of working time Square-law scale
Average US job 7.7%
Among the least exposed jobs there are.Still waiting for liberation.
What AI already does for model makersWhat model makers no longer do alone
O*NET lists 16 tasks for model makers. None of them shows meaningful AI use at work yet.
What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human
16 of the 16 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.
- Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.Core task
- Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.Core task
- Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.Core task
- Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.Core task
- Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.Core task
- Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.Core task
Show the other 10
- Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.Core task
- Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.Core task
- Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.Core task
- Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.Core task
- Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.Core task
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.Core task
- Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.Core task
- Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
- Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.
How that compares
Among the 98 production occupations, model makers rank 61. The group averages 0.8%, and its most exposed job is Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers at 12.1%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.
What this does and does not mean
Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.
A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.
Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.