Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers.

This job has 26 core tasks. We went through 7 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

1. TASK 01

   Estimate the costs of requested products or services such as custom footwear or footwear repair, and receive payment from customers.

   AI DOES

   Looks up material prices, suggests repair cost ranges, and helps process payment records

   YOU DO

   Inspect the actual shoe damage and decide what the job really needs

2. TASK 02

   Draw patterns, using measurements, designs, plaster casts, or customer specifications, and position or outline patterns on work pieces.

   AI DOES

   Suggests digital pattern layouts and helps calculate measurements from specs

   YOU DO

   Trust your hands and eyes to fit patterns to real leather and customer shapes

3. TASK 03

   Cut out parts, following patterns or outlines, using knives, shears, scissors, or machine presses.

   AI DOES

   Guides automated cutting machines using digital patterns

   YOU DO

   Handle material variations and make precise manual cuts by feel

4. TASK 04

   Select materials and patterns, and trace patterns onto materials to be cut out.

   AI DOES

   Suggests pattern layouts and material choices based on specs

   YOU DO

   Feel the material, judge quality, and trace precisely by hand

5. TASK 05

   Read prescriptions or specifications, and take measurements to establish the type of product to be made, using calipers, tape measures, or rules.

   AI DOES

   Reads and summarizes written specs or prescription notes

   YOU DO

   Handle the physical tools and measure the real foot or material in person

6. TASK 06

   Check the texture, color, and strength of leather to ensure that it is adequate for a particular purpose.

   AI DOES

   Assists with color matching using image tools

   YOU DO

   Handle and flex the leather yourself to judge texture and strength

7. TASK 07

   Make, modify, and repair orthopedic or therapeutic footwear according to doctors' prescriptions, or modify existing footwear for people with foot problems and special needs.

   AI DOES

   Helps look up prescription details, material specs, or design references

   YOU DO

   Trust your hands and eyes to shape, cut, and fit real footwear to a real person