Construction robotics sentiment improves as usage dips

Schindler’s R.I.S.E. robotic system for constructing elevator shafts, with technology from ABB. Image courtesy Schindler

The survey of general, specialty trade and subcontractors found that 95% rated their company’s robotics innovation efforts as “good” or better this year, up from 74% in 2024. “Excellent” ratings climbed by nearly 10 percentage points, while “fair” evaluations dropped by 14 points and no respondents rated their company’s efforts as “poor,” down from 7.4% last year.

However, the proportion of respondents reporting the use of robotics or automated machinery dropped to 46% from 65% in 2024. Audrey Lynch, senior research analyst at BuiltWorlds and author of the report, said the decline likely reflects a shift from short-term pilots to more selective but sustained use on projects.

“A large section of last year’s reported robotics use came in the form of pilots,” Lynch said. “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.”

The report found that robotics adoption remains concentrated in specific tasks such as layout, drilling and material transport, often integrated with connected equipment and data-driven planning systems.

While widespread adoption is still in its early stages, the findings suggest the technology is steadily moving from experimental trials toward more routine jobsite applications.

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