Key findings
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is set to impact, but not transform, the work of Rotary Drill Operators in the Oil and Gas industry.
Blue-collar jobs like this are unlikely to be automated due to the physical nature of the tasks involved.
While some skills may be automated in the future, tasks such as equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality control analysis require human judgment and decision-making.
The unique automation wave of GenAI may even increase demand for blue-collar workers, leading to a rise in their income share.
This group of workers will remain shielded from major AI disruption, as the technology is unable to perform physical tasks essential to their job.
How could AI or automation replace or complement job activities?
AI and automation could be used to assist in tasks such as monitoring pressure gauges, recording drilling progress, and analyzing strata data.
However, the complex physical and decision-making aspects of the job of operating rotary drills in oil and gas fields may be challenging to fully automate.
For example, AI could help analyze drilling data to optimize procedures, but the hands-on tasks of connecting drill pipes and maintaining machinery may still require human intervention.
Job description
Operates different drills to extract oil and gas underground or take core samples for testing in oil and gas exploration.
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