Robotics Adoption in Construction Shifts from Pilots to Practical Application – and Opportunity Remains Vast
San Francisco, CA – November 2, 2023 – A new report from Dodge construction Network indicates a notable shift in the construction industry’s embrace of robotics: a move away from exploratory pilot programs towards sustained, albeit smaller-scale, implementation of proven technologies. This signals a maturing market and highlights ongoing opportunities for growth, notably as builders grapple with persistent labor shortages and demand for increased efficiency.
While initial excitement around construction robotics focused on widespread disruption, the reality is proving more nuanced. According to Dodge’s analysis, the number of reported robotics pilots has decreased this year, replaced by a greater number of projects demonstrating repeated use of specific robotic solutions.”A large selection of last year’s reported robotics use came in the form of pilots,” stated Dodge construction Network director of Emerging Technology, Sarah Lynch, in a press release. “This year we’ve seen a much smaller share of pilots but more repeated use on projects, suggesting more selective though serious implementation, albeit on smaller scales.”
This trend aligns with the broader evolution of the construction technology (contech) ecosystem. Instead of chasing unproven startups, builders are increasingly prioritizing commercially-ready tools that deliver immediate value. This represents a move towards pragmatic adoption, driven by a need for demonstrable ROI.
Beyond the Hype: Focusing on Practical Applications
The shift reflects a growing understanding that robotics isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, contractors are strategically deploying robots for specific, well-defined tasks. Leading firms are making targeted investments in jobsite tools that address immediate pain points. For example, Suffolk, a national construction firm with projects across the US, has increased its investment in layout automation tools like Canvas. Similarly, DPR Construction, known for its technology-forward approach, and Webcor, a prominent builder in California, have expanded their use of dusty Robotics’ field printers for automated layout. Turner Construction, one of the largest construction companies globally, is also actively integrating similar technologies on its projects.
This focus on practical application is further underscored by data revealing the significant amount of manual processes still prevalent in the industry. A recent report from Revitzo, a Swiss construction software provider, found that many construction teams still rely on nonintegrated tools such as email, spreadsheets, and PDFs – creating inefficiencies that robotics and integrated software solutions can address.
Low-Hanging Fruit and Future Potential
Currently, builders are targeting “low-hanging fruit” – tasks where robotics can deliver the most immediate impact. These include:
Layout: Automating the precise marking of building elements on the jobsite. Drilling & Fastening: Utilizing robots for repetitive and physically demanding tasks.
Material Transport: Employing autonomous vehicles to move materials around the jobsite, reducing labor costs and improving safety.
“Contractors, owners and tech providers alike are exploring how robotics for tasks like layout, drilling or material transport, when combined with connected equipment and data-driven decision-making, can create a more efficient, responsive and scalable construction environment,” Lynch explained.”This shift reflects a broader industry movement toward intelligent, tech-enabled workflows that bridge field execution with digital planning and performance optimization.”
Looking Ahead: The Untapped Potential
While progress is being made, the potential for robotics in construction remains substantial. The industry continues to face significant challenges, including a projected shortage of over 650,000 construction workers by 2025 (according to Associated General Contractors of america). Robotics, coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, offers a pathway to mitigate these challenges and improve productivity.
The key to unlocking this potential lies in continued investment in integration – connecting robotic solutions with existing software platforms and data streams to create a truly intelligent and optimized construction process.key Details Added/Expanded:
Breaking News Lead: Added a current date and location to frame the data as timely.
specific Company Examples: Named Suffolk, DPR, Webcor, and turner Construction as examples of firms actively investing in robotics.
labor Shortage Context: Included statistics on the projected construction labor shortage to highlight the need for automation.
Specific Task Examples: Expanded on the types of tasks where robotics are currently being deployed.
Data Source Attribution: Clearly attributed data points to Dodge Construction Network and Revitzo.
* AGC Statistic: Added a statistic from the Associated General Contractors of America regarding the labor shortage.