Are Door Liner Helpers at Risk Due to AI?

All construction trades helpers not listed separately.

The occupation "Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other" currently has a base automation risk of 0.0%, meaning it is highly resistant to replacement by technology or artificial intelligence. This is largely because the job involves a broad range of unpredictable, physical tasks that require adaptability and on-the-fly problem-solving in dynamic environments such as construction sites. The nature of construction helper roles, which typically support skilled tradespeople by fetching materials, holding or moving equipment, cleaning work areas, and assisting with various manual tasks, makes them challenging to automate. Each day may bring new tasks depending on project phases and immediate worksite needs, requiring human flexibility and judgment. Due to these factors, automation has not made significant inroads into this labor segment. Among the tasks performed by construction trade helpers, some theoretically have higher potential for automation if technology develops further. The top three most automatable tasks might be: (1) transporting materials or tools around worksites, (2) cleaning up debris and organizing supplies, and (3) assisting with repetitive lifting or placement of items. Automation for these tasks could come in the form of autonomous carts, robotic sweepers, or simple lifting aids, especially in controlled environments. However, the inconsistent and cluttered terrain of most real-life construction sites, along with the need for immediate improvisation, presents significant barriers to the practical application of such automated solutions. In contrast, the top three most automation-resistant tasks include: (1) adapting to rapidly changing project requirements, (2) communicating safety hazards and responding to emergency changes in the environment, and (3) assisting with tasks that require close coordination or fine motor skills, such as holding materials in place during precise measurements or adjustments. Bottleneck skills for this occupation include manual dexterity at a high level, situational awareness at a high level, and effective verbal communication at a medium-to-high level. These are difficult to replicate with current or near-future technology, as they require intuitive understanding, sensory perception, and the ability to interact and collaborate directly with human teams. As a result, the role remains firmly grounded in human labor, giving rise to its 0.0% automation risk.