Patchwork: The Hidden, Human Labor of AI Integration within Essential Work

This paper examines the rapid introduction of AI and automation technologies within essential industries amid COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on participant observation interviews two sites waste labor in United States, we consider substantial effort performed by frontline workers who smooth relationship between robotics their social material environment. Over course research, found engaged continuous acts calibration, troubleshooting, repair required to support over time. In interrogating these sites, develop concept "patchwork": human that occurs space what purports do it actually accomplishes. We argue is necessary often-undervalued work makes up for AI's shortcomings during implementation, particularly as CSCW increasingly turns discussions Human-AI collaboration.