Robotics, Automation, and AI
Pioneers of a New Era in the Construction Industry
The construction industry worldwide is facing profound challenges: the shortage of skilled labor is intensifying, the pressure to increase productivity is growing, and at the same time, topics such as sustainability and resource efficiency are becoming more prominent. With around 40% of global CO₂ emissions, the construction sector bears a significant responsibility for implementing climate-friendly and efficient building practices.
Robotics and automation as key technologies
New developments in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence offer enormous potential for actively shaping the necessary change. Robotic systems make it possible to carry out central construction processes such as bricklaying, concreting, inspections or recycling of building materials precisely, quickly and with significantly fewer resources.
Technological progress on the construction site
Examples such as masonry robots or 3D printing technologies that produce entire buildings directly on site impressively demonstrate how efficiency gains and quality improvements can be achieved – while at the same time reducing the use of materials and emissions. Autonomous construction machinery, drones for progress monitoring and exoskeletons for physically assisted work processes are also part of the construction site of the future.
The economic impact of these technologies is enormous: according to forecasts, the global market for construction robotics will grow to around 10 billion US dollars by 2030 – with annual growth of around 15 percent. Studies also show that the use of robotics in the construction industry can save up to 20 percent of project costs – primarily through reduced construction errors, less rework and optimized schedules.
Classic construction process vs. automated process
New job profiles and opportunities for skilled workers
At the same time, new opportunities are emerging for the labor market. Robotics not only takes over dangerous and repetitive tasks, but also opens up a wide range of prospects for qualified specialists through new job profiles – for example in the areas of machine control, data analysis or maintenance.
Science is also taking a close look at the topic. With the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) founded in July 2024 and the Building Lab as a specialized research unit, a central hub for innovation, knowledge transfer and technological development in the field of construction robotics is being created in Germany. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the RIG is intended to help make Germany internationally competitive as a technology location.
Conclusion: A new era of building
Technological progress in robotics and AI marks the beginning of a new era in the construction industry. Investing in modern automation solutions lays the foundation for more resource-efficient, safer and more productive construction methods – and at the same time strengthens the innovative capacity and competitiveness of the entire industry.
Yvonne Jacoby, Market Intelligence Senior Expert
Quellen:
- Automationspraxis, 10.03.2025
- Baumeister, 17.01.2025
- BuiltSmartHub, 25.02.2025
- Bau Portal 04/2024
