Will AI replace corrosion technicians?

Why AI struggles to replace this job

• Infrastructure sites like pipelines and bridges are often in remote areas with no connectivity for cloud-based AI.
• Physical maintenance like sandblasting and applying specialized epoxies requires human motor skills.
• Environmental variables like soil acidity and humidity require nuanced interpretation beyond simple sensor data.
• Emergency repairs require creative problem solving when standard materials are unavailable.

Tasks AI could automate

• Analyzing cathodic protection data to predict future failure points.
• Drafting compliance reports for regulatory agencies using sensor logs.
• Using drones to visually scan for surface rust on high-altitude structures.
• Managing large datasets of historical ultrasonic thickness measurements.

The 10-year outlook

As US infrastructure ages, the need for corrosion prevention will increase, leading to high job security. The role will become more tech-heavy, requiring technicians to manage remote monitoring software.

Common questions