Machine Feeders and Offbearers
SOC: 53-7063.00 · Job Zone: 2
Key Takeaways
- ●AI Impact Score: 53/100 — Partial Automation Likely. Partial automation is likely for key tasks in this occupation.
- ●47K workers currently employed.
- ●Mean annual wage: $39,700.
- ●7 of 13 key tasks can already be performed by AI tools today.
What Machine Feeders and Offbearers Do
Feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.
Also known as
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AI Impact Analysis
Machine Feeders and Offbearers represent a workforce of 46,690 Americans earning a mean annual wage of $39,700, performing essential material handling and machine monitoring tasks across manufacturing facilities. This Job Zone 2 occupation requires minimal formal education but demands consistent attention to detail and physical capability to manage the flow of materials through automated production systems.
AI and automation technologies are rapidly transforming the core tasks of this occupation. Record production and operational data (importance: 4.4) is being automated through systems like UiPath and Microsoft Power Automate, which can capture production metrics directly from machinery sensors. Inspect materials and products for defects (importance: 4.4) increasingly relies on computer vision systems like Cognex ViDi and Keyence CV-X series that detect quality issues with greater precision than human inspection. Weigh or measure materials (importance: 4.3) is being handled by automated weighing systems integrated with SAP and Oracle manufacturing execution systems that eliminate manual data entry.
Critical human-essential tasks center on physical manipulation and complex problem-solving. Load materials and products into machines and Remove materials and products from machines (both importance: 4.0) require human dexterity and spatial reasoning that current robotics cannot match cost-effectively in many environments. Troubleshooting (importance: 2.75) and Critical Thinking (importance: 2.5) remain distinctly human when unexpected situations arise that fall outside programmed parameters. Social Perceptiveness and Coordination with other workers (both importance: 2.5) are irreplaceable human skills in collaborative manufacturing environments.
The automation timeline shows accelerating change: 1-3 years will see widespread adoption of automated data collection and basic quality inspection systems. 3-5 years will bring more sophisticated robotic material handling in high-volume facilities and predictive maintenance systems that reduce the need for human monitoring. However, the physical variability and problem-solving requirements ensure this role evolves rather than disappears entirely.
Major manufacturers like General Motors, Boeing, and Amazon are already deploying collaborative robots (cobots) from Universal Robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) from companies like Kiva Systems to handle routine material transport. Procter & Gamble uses computer vision systems for quality control, while 3M has implemented IoT sensors that automatically track production data, reducing the need for manual recording by Machine Feeders and Offbearers.
Task-by-Task AI Analysis
| Task | AI Status |
|---|---|
Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed. RPA systems directly capture production data from machinery sensors and ERP systems without human intervention. | AI Can Do This Now |
Inspect materials and products for defects, and to ensure conformance to specifications. Computer vision systems detect defects with higher accuracy and consistency than human inspection. | AI Can Do This 1-2 years |
Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure conformance to specifications. Automated weighing systems integrate directly with manufacturing software for real-time measurement. | AI Can Do This Now |
Identify and mark materials, products, and samples, following instructions. RFID and automated labeling systems can identify and mark materials without human intervention. | AI Can Do This 1-2 years |
Push dual control buttons and move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment. Industrial automation systems control machinery operations through programmed logic controllers. | AI Can Do This Now |
Load materials and products into machines and equipment, or onto conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices. Collaborative robots assist with material loading but require human oversight for complex positioning. | AI Assists 3-5 years |
Remove materials and products from machines and equipment, and place them in boxes, trucks or conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices. Robotic systems handle routine removal tasks but humans manage irregular shapes and unexpected situations. | AI Assists 3-5 years |
Transfer materials and products to and from machinery and equipment, using industrial trucks or hand trucks. Automated guided vehicles transport materials throughout facilities without human operators. | AI Can Do This 1-2 years |
Clean and maintain machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions. Cleaning requires human judgment for safety and adaptability to varying contamination types. | Human Essential 5+ years |
Shovel or scoop materials into containers, machines, or equipment for processing, storage, or transport. Robotic systems handle bulk materials but humans manage irregular or delicate items. | AI Assists 3-5 years |
Open and close gates of belt and pneumatic conveyors on machines that are fed directly from preceding machines. Automated control systems manage conveyor operations based on production flow requirements. | AI Can Do This Now |
Fasten, package, or stack materials and products, using hand tools and fastening equipment. Robotic packaging systems handle standardized items but humans manage custom packaging requirements. | AI Assists 1-2 years |
Add chemicals, solutions, or ingredients to machines or equipment as required by the manufacturing process. Chemical handling requires human safety judgment and regulatory compliance oversight. | Human Essential 5+ years |
AI Tools Disrupting Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Key Skills
Key Tasks
- •Inspect materials and products for defects, and to ensure conformance to specifications.
- •Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed.
- •Push dual control buttons and move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment.
- •Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure conformance to specifications.
- •Identify and mark materials, products, and samples, following instructions.
- •Clean and maintain machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions.
- •Load materials and products into machines and equipment, or onto conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
- •Remove materials and products from machines and equipment, and place them in boxes, trucks or conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
- •Transfer materials and products to and from machinery and equipment, using industrial trucks or hand trucks.
- •Shovel or scoop materials into containers, machines, or equipment for processing, storage, or transport.
- •Open and close gates of belt and pneumatic conveyors on machines that are fed directly from preceding machines.
- •Fasten, package, or stack materials and products, using hand tools and fastening equipment.
Technology Skills Used
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Salary Range
Career Transition Guidance
Machine Feeders and Offbearers possess valuable transferable skills in Operations Monitoring (3.38/5) and Quality Control Analysis (2.75/5) that translate well to related manufacturing roles. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders offer the most direct transition path, requiring similar monitoring skills but with additional technical training on machine setup and programming. Packers and Packagers, Hand represents a lateral move that leverages existing material handling experience.
For upward mobility, workers should pursue certifications in Woodworking Machine Setters or Grinding, Lapping, Polishing Machine Tool Setters - roles that command higher wages and require the troubleshooting and critical thinking skills that resist automation. These positions typically require 6-12 months of additional technical training through community colleges or manufacturer programs. The strongest career path involves developing expertise in maintaining and operating the AI systems that are automating routine tasks, positioning workers as essential human overseers of increasingly automated production environments.
Related Occupations
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Machine Feeders and Offbearers?
AI will partially automate this role with a moderate impact score of 53/100. While 46,690 current workers face significant task automation, the physical complexity and safety requirements ensure human oversight remains essential for 5-10 years.
What AI tools are used in Machine Feeders and Offbearers roles?
Key AI tools include UiPath for data recording, Cognex ViDi for quality inspection, Universal Robots for material handling, and SAP Manufacturing Execution for automated measurement and tracking systems.
What is the salary outlook for Machine Feeders and Offbearers with AI?
The current mean annual wage of $39,700 may face downward pressure as routine tasks become automated. Workers who develop technical skills to operate AI systems and handle complex problem-solving will command higher wages.
What skills should Machine Feeders and Offbearers develop for the AI era?
Focus on Troubleshooting (importance: 2.75), Critical Thinking (2.5), and Social Perceptiveness (2.5) - skills that AI cannot replicate. Technical training in robotics maintenance and quality control systems will increase job security.
How many Machine Feeders and Offbearers jobs are there in the US?
Currently 46,690 workers hold these positions nationwide. While no projected growth data is available, automation will likely reduce routine positions while creating new roles in AI system operation and maintenance.