From Wires to Artificial Intelligence: Is the Industrial Electrician Living Their Final Days?
In an era where technology is advancing at rocket speed and reaching every industry, industrial electricity now stands at a new crossroads: Artificial Intelligence.
Are we witnessing the birth of a new generation of engineers and technicians, or is this the end of manual trades as we know them?
And more importantly will the number of technicians increase or decrease? Let’s explore these questions together, step by step.
⚡ Artificial Intelligence Enters the Workshop!
Many people still think that AI is only about robots or search engines. But in reality, it has become a major player in the heart of factories—especially in industrial electricity.
How?
1. Predictive Maintenance Instead of Waiting for Breakdowns
Smart sensors now monitor the performance of motors, control panels, and pumps—and alert the team before a breakdown occurs. AI analyzes this data and predicts when and where an issue is likely to happen.
2. Smart Control of Energy and Production
SCADA and PLC systems are now smarter, capable of adjusting voltage and current with precision, and optimizing energy usage. There's no longer a need for a technician to monitor voltmeters all day the system does that automatically and sends instant alerts.
3. Intelligent Robots in Production Lines
Modern industrial robots don’t just move they think. They coordinate with production systems and adapt to real-time changes automatically.
👷♂️ So, Will Technicians Become Obsolete?
The short answer: No.
But the deeper answer is: The traditional technician might disappear, making way for a new kind of technician one who is smart, multi-skilled, and data-connected.
We no longer need someone who only handles wires and switches we now need someone who:
Can program PLCs
Analyzes IoT sensor data
Operates SCADA and HMI systems
Understands how AI drives production decisions
📉 Will the Number of Technicians in Factories Decrease?
Yes, in most cases.
Why?
Because AI and smart systems reduce the need for daily manual interventions.
And because modern companies value efficiency and precision, not large headcounts.
Today, companies prefer to hire one smart technician who can analyze and solve problems, rather than three traditional ones doing only manual tasks.
In simple terms:
"Instead of hiring five technicians to follow up on machines, we now hire one smart tech who monitors everything from one screen and interprets the data."
👨🏫 So, Is It the End of the Profession? Not at All. It's a New Beginning.
Just like carpentry, agriculture, and transportation evolved, so must industrial electricity.
AI is not the enemy it’s a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled technician.
🛠️ What Skills Will the New Industrial Electrician Need in the Age of AI?
First, they must learn the basics of PLC programming, as it remains the backbone of automation.
Second, mastering SCADA systems and HMI interfaces is essential to control and monitor industrial processes.
Third, they must understand IoT (Internet of Things) how machines are connected to computers and networks for tracking and optimization.
Fourth, they should be familiar with industrial AI concepts, even at a basic level, to understand decision-making logic in smart systems.
Finally, data analysis skills will be crucial, as technicians will need to interpret the numbers and graphs generated by intelligent systems and take action accordingly.
🧭 In Summary: Who Is the Technician of 2030?
It’s someone who started their journey with wires and relays… then evolved learned to code, interpret data, and master smart systems.
They’ve become a technician who’s irreplaceable, not just because they know electricity but because they understand the future.
🔋 Final Advice:
Don’t fear artificial intelligence learn how to make it work for you.
You’re still the one who connects the cables, fixes the circuit, and installs the panel but the world is changing fast.
Those who adapt will be the ones standing strong in the front row of industry.
