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Balam Labs
ISCO-08 8121

Metal processing plant operators

9.8%
ADI · 363rd of 433 · 95% interval 4.0–16.0

An AI agent can at least partly carry out 9.8% of the task time of metal processing plant operators, and finish 0.0% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.

ADI · partial or full9.8%

363rd of 433 · interval 4.0–16.0

ADI3 · full delegation0.0%

201st of 433 · interval 0.0–0.0

ADIs · share of time13.7%

372nd of 433 · interval 10.5–17.5

Evidence89

task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 0.7 million.

Task weight by level

How the tasks rate

68%
22%
10%
L0No meaningful role · 68.1%L1Augmentation · 22.2%L2Partial delegation · 9.8%L3Full delegation · 0.0%
Barriers

What stops the agent

Physical presence94%
Accountability19%
Trust and care4%
Access to systems75%

Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.

89 task statements, heaviest first
Task statement (O*NET occupation)WeightLevelSonnet · HaikuShareHuman timeBarriers
Read temperature gauges and observe color changes, adjusting furnace flames, torches, or electrical heating units as necessary to melt metal to specifications.Pourers and Casters, Metal2.8%L0L0L18%52 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds and forms to produce ingots or other castings, using ladles or hand-controlled mechanisms.Pourers and Casters, Metal2.8%L0L0L04%30 minPhysical presence, Accountability
Collect samples, or signal workers to sample metal for analysis.Pourers and Casters, Metal2.6%L0L0L05%15 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Examine molds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated.Pourers and Casters, Metal2.6%L0L0L04%10 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Load specified amounts of metal and flux into furnaces or clay crucibles.Pourers and Casters, Metal2.5%L0L0L04%30 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Pull levers to lift ladle stoppers and to allow molten steel to flow into ingot molds to specified heights.Pourers and Casters, Metal · supplemental task2.5%L0L0L02%26 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles, or signal other workers to position equipment.Pourers and Casters, Metal2.5%L0L0L04%8 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Skim slag or remove excess metal from ingots or equipment, using hand tools, strainers, rakes, or burners, collecting scrap for recycling.Pourers and Casters, Metal2.4%L0L0L02%25 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Turn valves to circulate water through cores, or spray water on filled molds to cool and solidify metal.Pourers and Casters, Metal · supplemental task2.4%L0L0L04%18 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners.Pourers and Casters, Metal2.4%L0L0L15%22 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Assemble and embed cores in casting frames, using hand tools and equipment.Pourers and Casters, Metal · supplemental task2.4%L0L0L15%20 minPhysical presence
Remove metal ingots or cores from molds, using hand tools, cranes, and chain hoists.Pourers and Casters, Metal · supplemental task2.1%L0L0L02%16 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Add metal to molds to compensate for shrinkage.Pourers and Casters, Metal · supplemental task1.9%L0L0L16%12 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Repair and maintain metal forms and equipment, using hand tools, sledges, and bars.Pourers and Casters, Metal · supplemental task1.9%L0L0L05%1.5 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Stencil identifying information on ingots and pigs, using special hand tools.Pourers and Casters, Metal · supplemental task1.9%L0L0L04%3 minPhysical presence
Show the other 74 tasks
Task statement (O*NET occupation)WeightLevelSonnet · HaikuShareHuman timeBarriers
Transport metal ingots to storage areas, using forklifts.Pourers and Casters, Metal1.7%L0L0L04%22 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Record production data, and maintain production logs.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders1.5%L2L2L262%20 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders1.4%L1L1L228%30 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders1.4%L1L1L120%25 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders1.4%L2L2L238%38 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders1.4%L0L1L08%18 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders1.3%L1L1L110%15 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders1.3%L0L0L18%45 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Prepare material to load into furnaces, including cleaning, crushing, or applying chemicals, by using crushing machines, shovels, rakes, or sprayers.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders · supplemental task1.3%L0L0L04%52 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Kindle fires, and shovel fuel and other materials into furnaces or onto conveyors by hand, with hoists, or by directing crane operators.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders1.3%L0L0L03%40 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders1.2%L1L1L118%45 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Observe operations inside furnaces, using television screens, to ensure that problems do not occur.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders · supplemental task1.2%L2L2L258%4.2 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Remove impurities from the surface of molten metal, using strainers.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders · supplemental task1.2%L0L0L02%12 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Measure and examine extruded products to locate defects and to check for conformance to specifications, adjusting controls as necessary to alter products.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1.1%L1L1L220%18 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Read production schedules and work orders to determine processing sequences, furnace temperatures, and heat cycle requirements for objects to be heat-treated.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1.1%L2L2L265%30 minAccess to systems
Sprinkle chemicals over molten metal to bring impurities to the surface.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders · supplemental task1.1%L0L0L04%15 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Adjust controls to maintain temperatures and heating times, using thermal instruments and charts, dials and gauges of furnaces, and color of stock in furnaces to make setting determinations.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1.0%L1L1L125%30 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Record times that parts are removed from furnaces to document that objects have attained specified temperatures for specified times.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1.0%L1L1L228%4 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Load parts into containers and place containers on conveyors to be inserted into furnaces, or insert parts into furnaces.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task1.0%L0L0L04%25 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Examine parts to ensure metal shades and colors conform to specifications, using knowledge of metal heat-treating.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task1.0%L1L1L120%8 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1.0%L0L0L112%30 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Scrape accumulations of metal oxides from floors, molds, and crucibles, and sift and store them for reclamation.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders · supplemental task1.0%L0L0L04%52 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Set up and operate or tend machines, such as furnaces, baths, flame-hardening machines, and electronic induction machines, that harden, anneal, and heat-treat metal.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.9%L1L1L220%2.4 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Determine types and temperatures of baths and quenching media needed to attain specified part hardness, toughness, and ductility, using heat-treating charts and knowledge of methods, equipment, and metals.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.9%L2L2L265%25 minAccountability, Access to systems
Start conveyors and open furnace doors to load stock, or signal crane operators to uncover soaking pits and lower ingots into them.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.9%L0L0L06%15 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Reel extruded products into rolls of specified lengths and weights.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.9%L0L0L06%22 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Remove parts from furnaces after specified times, and air dry or cool parts in water, oil brine, or other baths.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.9%L0L0L16%12 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Clean work areas.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.9%L0L0L04%25 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Determine flame temperatures, current frequencies, heating cycles, and induction heating coils needed, based on degree of hardness required and properties of stock to be treated.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.9%L2L2L260%1.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Direct work crews in the cleaning and repair of furnace walls and flooring.Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders · supplemental task0.9%L0L0L216%2.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Signal forklift operators to deposit or extract containers of parts into and from furnaces and quenching rinse tanks.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L0L0L03%3 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Test physical properties of products with testing devices such as acid-bath testers, burst testers, and impact testers.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L1L1L114%22 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Test parts for hardness, using hardness testing equipment, or by examining and feeling samples.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L1L1L112%10 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Determine setup procedures and select machine dies and parts, according to specifications.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.8%L1L1L242%45 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.8%L1L1L125%4.1 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Reduce heat when processing is complete to allow parts to cool in furnaces or machinery.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L1L1L118%10 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Set and adjust speeds of reels and conveyors for prescribed time cycles to pass parts through continuous furnaces.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L1L1L120%15 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Position stock in furnaces, using tongs, chain hoists, or pry bars.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L0L0L02%12 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.8%L1L1L224%35 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Heat billets, bars, plates, rods, and other stock to specified temperatures preparatory to forging, rolling, or processing, using oil, gas, or electrical furnaces.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L1L1L112%52 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Load machine hoppers with mixed materials, using augers, or stuff rolls of plastic dough into machine cylinders.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L0L0L04%18 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.8%L1L1L110%20 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.8%L1L1L118%18 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Install dies, machine screws, and sizing rings on machines that extrude thermoplastic or metal materials.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.8%L0L0L16%1.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Change dies on extruding machines, according to production line changes.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.8%L0L0L18%1.5 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Maintain an inventory of materials.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L2L2L250%38 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Move controls to light gas burners and to adjust gas and water flow and flame temperature.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.8%L0L0L112%12 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Adjust controls to draw or press metal into specified shapes and diameters.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.8%L1L1L120%25 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.8%L2L2L262%22 minAccountability, Access to systems
Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms, or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.7%L0L0L16%20 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Mount workpieces in fixtures, on arbors, or between centers of machines.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.7%L0L0L02%8 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.7%L0L1L010%22 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Mount fixtures and industrial coils on machines, using hand tools.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.7%L0L0L04%38 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Troubleshoot, maintain, and make minor repairs to equipment.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.7%L1L1L225%1.0 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Calculate draft space and roll speed for each mill stand to plan rolling sequences and specified dimensions and tempers.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.7%L2L2L260%52 minAccountability, Access to systems
Weigh and mix pelletized, granular, or powdered thermoplastic materials and coloring pigments.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.7%L0L0L219%25 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Set distance points between rolls, guides, meters, and stops, according to specifications.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.7%L0L0L115%25 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Position, align, and secure arbors, spindles, coils, mandrels, dies, and slitting knives.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.7%L0L0L04%30 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Select rolls, dies, roll stands, and chucks from data charts to form specified contours and to fabricate products.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.6%L1L1L232%25 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Activate shears and grinders to trim workpieces.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.6%L0L0L03%20 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Record mill production on schedule sheets.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.6%L2L2L250%12 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Install equipment such as guides, guards, gears, cooling equipment, and rolls, using hand tools.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.6%L0L0L14%1.3 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Select nozzles, spacers, and wire guides, according to diameters and lengths of rods.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.6%L1L1L232%10 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Signal and assist other workers to remove and position equipment, fill hoppers, and feed materials into machines.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.6%L0L0L04%18 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Fill oil cups, adjust valves, and observe gauges to control flow of metal coolants and lubricants onto workpieces.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.6%L0L0L04%12 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Replace worn dies when products vary from specifications.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.6%L0L0L112%1.1 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Clean oxides and scales from parts or fittings, using steam sprays or chemical and water baths.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.5%L0L0L04%25 minPhysical presence
Operate shearing mechanisms to cut rods to specified lengths.Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.5%L0L0L04%10 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Disassemble sizing mills removed from rolling lines, and sort and store parts.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.5%L0L0L04%2.8 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Repair, replace, and maintain furnace equipment as needed, using hand tools.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.5%L0L0L110%1.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Direct and train other workers to change rolls, operate mill equipment, remove coils and cobbles, and band and load material.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.5%L1L1L114%1.3 hPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Remove scratches and polish roll surfaces, using polishing stones and electric buffers.Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.4%L0L0L02%52 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Stamp heat-treatment identification marks on parts, using hammers and punches.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · supplemental task0.4%L0L0L03%4 minPhysical presence
Instruct new workers in machine operation.Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic0.4%L1L1L228%3.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, 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

MeasureValuePercentile
ADI (this index)9.8%16
Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β0.08415
Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure-1.09316
Webb (2020), AI patent exposure54.93847
Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure0.02417
Anthropic Economic Index, observed use016

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 (81)

Neighbouring occupations

Dashed line: metal processing plant operators (9.8%).

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: Metal processing plant operators (ISCO-08 8121), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/8121

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: Metal processing plant operators (ISCO-08 8121)}
}
Machine-readable

The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/8121.json.