ISCO-08 2111
Physicists and astronomers
80.8%
ADI · 110th of 433 · 95% interval 65.4–92.9
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 80.8% of the task time of physicists and astronomers, and finish 6.8% alone.
ADI · partial or full80.8%
110th of 433 · interval 65.4–92.9
ADI3 · full delegation6.8%
56th of 433 · interval 0.0–21.1
ADIs · share of time56.3%
79th of 433 · interval 50.3–62.0
Evidence51
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 0.3 million.
Task weight by level
How the tasks rate
L0No meaningful role · 0.0%L1Augmentation · 19.2%L2Partial delegation · 74.0%L3Full delegation · 6.8%
Barriers
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
51 task statements, heaviest first
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.Physicists | 6.8% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 3.0 h | – |
| Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.Physicists | 5.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 1.8 h | – |
| Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.Physicists | 5.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 8.0 h | Access to systems |
| Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.Astronomers | 5.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 6.0 h | – |
| Teach physics to students.Physicists | 5.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 1.3 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.Physicists | 5.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 8.0 h | – |
| Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.Physicists · supplemental task | 4.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.Astronomers | 3.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 38% | 3.5 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.Astronomers | 3.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.Astronomers | 3.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 40% | 1.0 h | Accountability, Trust and care |
| Teach astronomy or astrophysics.Astronomers | 3.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 2.3 h | Accountability, Trust and care |
| Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.Astronomers | 3.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 1.0 h | Trust and care |
| Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.Physicists · supplemental task | 3.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 24 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.Physicists · supplemental task | 3.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 40% | 8.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.Physicists | 3.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 33 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
Show the other 36 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.Astronomers | 3.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 22 h | Access to systems |
| Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.Astronomers | 2.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 24 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Write research proposals to receive funding.Physicists | 2.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 33 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.Astronomers | 2.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 15 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care |
| Review scientific proposals and research papers.Astronomers | 2.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 3.5 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.Astronomers | 2.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.Astronomers | 1.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 6.0 h | – |
| Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.Astronomers | 1.7% | L2 | L3L2 | 72% | 3.5 h | – |
| Raise funds for scientific research.Astronomers | 1.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 24 h | Accountability, Trust and care |
| Serve on professional panels and committees.Astronomers | 1.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 5.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Conduct question-and-answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences.Astronomers | 1.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Trust and care |
| Direct the operations of a planetarium.Astronomers · supplemental task | 1.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 40% | 5.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 4.0 h | – |
| Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 3.5 h | Access to systems |
| Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 4.0 h | – |
| Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.7% | L2 | L2L3 | 70% | 3.5 h | Access to systems |
| Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.7% | L2 | L2L3 | 75% | 2.8 h | Access to systems |
| Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 1.0 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.6% | L2 | L2L3 | 75% | 6.0 h | – |
| Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.6% | L2 | L2L3 | 75% | 8.0 h | – |
| Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 4.0 h | Access to systems |
| Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 4.0 h | Trust and care |
| Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 2.8 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 4.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 2.0 h | Access to systems |
| Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 22 h | Access to systems |
| Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 6.0 h | – |
| Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 7.0 h | Accountability |
| Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 24 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 6.0 h | Accountability |
| Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 4.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Participate in fieldwork.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.3% | L1 | L1L1 | 14% | 8.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 8.0 h | Access to systems |
| Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 35% | 7.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Against other measures
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 80.8% | 75 | |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.583 | 88 | |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | 1.316 | 95 | |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 97.8 | 98 | |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.505 | 88 | |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0.271 | 89 |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Same sub-major group (21)
Neighbouring occupations
| Occupation | ADI | % |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic and multimedia designers 2166 | 96.8 | |
| Mathematicians, actuaries and statisticians 2120 | 96.5 | |
| Meteorologists 2112 | 94.4 | |
| Electrical engineers 2151 | 91.8 | |
| Building architects 2161 | 91.1 | |
| Telecommunications engineers 2153 | 90.1 | |
| Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified 2149 | 89.4 | |
| Chemical engineers 2145 | 88.9 | |
| Environmental engineers 2143 | 88.6 | |
| Industrial and production engineers 2141 | 87.6 | |
| Electronics engineers 2152 | 85.5 | |
| Mechanical engineers 2144 | 84.9 |
Dashed line: physicists and astronomers (80.8%).
Cite this record
Text
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Physicists and astronomers (ISCO-08 2111), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/2111
BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Physicists and astronomers (ISCO-08 2111)}
}Machine-readable
The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/2111.json.