Getting a Head Start on Construction Robotics

By

Makenna Ryan

and Diane McCormick

Last Updated Jan 13, 2026

By

Makenna Ryan

and Diane McCormick

If there is a pain point anywhere in today’s construction environment, there’s a good chance that a robot can help resolve it. However, these robots typically serve a single purpose, executing only the orders programmed into them. 

The future of robotics is coming closer, toward machines with the cognitive and mobility powers of their sci-fi forebears. They might not be ready yet, but before long, robots fully integrated with construction management software will perform autonomously.

With a look at the robotics of today and tomorrow, this article explores the keys to adopting robotics that capture key elements of risk mitigation and operational efficiencies.

Defining Construction Robots

In a fluid environment, it’s important to understand how construction robotics is defined.

Construction robotics refers to the use of automated machines and systems to improve performance or create new possibilities related to tasks and workflows. Robotics encompasses a range of technologies and applications, ranging from simple, task-specific robots to advanced, autonomous systems.

At this point in the evolution of technology, robotics currently in use on construction sites are mostly semi-automated, meaning they can extend human capabilities but still require human supervision and input. These robots usually perform single tasks in ways that are more efficient and quick than humans or in ways that avoid putting humans in dangerous situations. 

Kris Lengieza

Vice President, Global Technology Evangelist

Procore Technologies

Robots Ready for the Jobsite Today

Although a majority of construction robots today are not fully autonomous, task-specific, purpose-built robots are already at work on many projects.

Automated Welding Machines

These machines are programmed to weld pipeline, and can work efficiently and accurately, producing more welds per hour than humans. This way, the work of highly skilled — and highly paid — welders can then be reserved for correcting any errors.

You can feed a welding robot with information, and it will execute the weld better than a manual welder can. If you weld miles and miles and miles of pipeline, I have less errors per unit rate mile delivered, and so what we gain there is efficiency. I can also invest in this robot one time. He doesn't get tired. He works overtime at the same rate that he works normal time.

Makenna Ryan

Civil & Infrastructure Solutions Engineer

Procore

3D Printers

More than just small-scale plastic printers, oversized 3D printers are sitting on sites and extruding layer after layer of specialized concrete that forms into structures.

Although still limited largely to residential construction, bridges, and components, 3D printing in construction offers the advantages of customization, sustainability, and efficiency. Remaining hurdles include lack of skilled operators, substandard quality, and high costs of buying, maintaining, and transporting the printers.

Digital Layouts

The longstanding art of manual layout can be time-consuming and error-prone. Digital layout printing deploys Roomba-style robots to print digital site maps or CAD/BIM files directly onto concrete slabs, for new levels of accuracy and efficiency.

Reality Capture

One of the most common robotics currently found on the jobsite lies in reality capture. Robotics mounted with cameras — often 4-legged robot "dogs" or drones — can be used to collect data on the jobsite through images, 3D scans or environmental readings. 

Integrated with BIM and construction management software, the images and details can spot clashes and anomalies more efficiently than humans on walk-throughs. With the information the machines gather, field engineers and jobsite supervisors can resolve problems quickly and find more time in the day for other project tasks.

Tunnel Boring Machines

Although not common sights on most projects, if only for their multimillion-dollar price tags, tunnel boring machines (TBM) are giant robots that excavate and remove earth. As they advance, they stabilize the tunnel by building scaffolding behind them.

While highly complex, TBMs address challenges of tunneling subway lines or infrastructure under developed areas, while bringing efficiencies to mining operations and pipeline laying.

Automated Heavy Equipment

Automation of heavy equipment is also helping to deliver higher productivity and ease labor shortages. Major manufacturers are producing self-driving bulldozers and dump trucks, plus excavators that can be programmed to dig trenches or foundations without human operators.

Most of the robots in use on construction sites are purpose-built. Able to perform only a single function, they are easier to integrate into the scene than futuristic humanoid robots, because walking, talking droids haven’t advanced to human levels of functionality. They can’t successfully maneuver uneven surfaces, make decisions, or deviate from their programming – yet.

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Calculating the Returns: Bringing Robots to the Jobsite

Robots are ready for construction jobsites, but are jobsites ready for them? The potential for generating significant improvements in efficiency and capabilities is at hand.

However, random purchases don’t advance strategic goals. Contractors looking for return on their robot investments should follow these tactical steps:

1. Identify pain points.

   Where can robots add operational efficiencies, mitigate risk, or compensate for labor shortages?

2. Consult the experts.

   In-house development of robotics plans can be tempting, but partnering with experts offers a holistic view and better assurance of ROI through targeted use of available applications.

3. Establish a vision.

   Focus on the power of robots to keep the company on track toward its strategic vision. Where and how can they contribute to improving timelines, budgets, and quality? That is what robots do best, but success depends on giving them purpose and direction.

Data integration is a good place to start, because most 3D models can be adapted to output the datasets that robots need to accomplish their tasks — for instance, linking layouts to a digital printer for etching onto floors.

Currently, data integration requires multiple steps to translate construction management software into terms that robots can understand. It’s a cumbersome process, but “machine-readable” languages are on the way, preparing to streamline robot instructions by turning data and drawings into the 1s and 0s that computers can digest and comprehend.

The robotics revolution is coming, teaming up with AI to transform construction. Contractors who think strategically and coordinate robots with the daily operations of machines and people gain a competitive edge in the quest to make their jobsites safer, more efficient, and more productive.

Written by

Makenna Ryan

Civil & Infrastructure Solutions Engineer | Procore

9 articles

Makenna Ryan is a Solutions Engineer at Procore. Prior to joining Procore, he spent seven years at McDermott International Inc. as a construction Manager and Senior Equipment Engineer. He also spent three years as a Project Engineer at Subsea7. Makenna received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Technology from Texas Tech University. He is based in the Houston area.

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Diane McCormick

Writer | Procore Technologies

50 articles

Diane McCormick is a freelance journalist covering construction, packaging, manufacturing, natural gas distribution, and waste oil recycling. A proud resident of Harrisburg, PA, Diane is well-versed in several types of digital and print media. Recognized as one of the premier voices in her region, she was recognized as the Keystone Media Freelance Journalist of the Year in 2022 and again in 2023.

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