Some vehicle technicians may be among those least at risk of losing their job and being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), according to recent research.

According to the research, performed by the University of Pennsylvania, OpenResearch and OpenAI, those who work on some vehicles are is least likely to be superceded by AI in place of a human worker. The study considered the possible outcomes of using large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT. Those in higher-income roles are predicted to be impacted the most.

However, many roles where people work with their hands are not expected to be impacted.

The automotive job roles deemed AI-proof in the study include:
Automotive glass installers and repairers
• Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
• Motorcycle mechanics
• Tire repairers and changers

Hayley Pells, Policy Manager at the IMI said:  "The advancement of new technologies has brought many benefits to the automotive sector at every level for both the motorist and those that work in it. AI will undoubtedly bring new challenges and its impact on the workforce in the longer term is yet to be fully understood, but the automotive industry is already on a journey of technological change and embracing the opportunities that that brings." 

Many professions are expected to see severe impact from the roll-out of AI. British Telecom (BT) recently announced it expected 55,000 jobs to go by 2030, with 10,000 replaced by AI.

A YouGov survey taken before the BT announcement suggested that, 62% of UK workers believe robotics and AI will erase more jobs than they make.