Embracing Smart Construction: Addressing Worker Efficiency with Automation and Robotics

As the world rapidly embraces AI and robotics, industries like transportation and home automation are advancing fast. Yet, the construction industry still lags behind. Despite the rise of automation, many construction sites still rely on pen and paper, with managers depending on intuition over advanced technologies.

So why is construction slow to adopt these innovations? The problem isn’t reluctance, but the challenge of gaining workers’ trust and time. We explored how to bridge this gap. Our journey led to the development of smart construction solutions, which aim to enhance both worker efficiency and business outcomes.

The Labor Crisis: A Need for Innovation

Labor shortages are a growing crisis in the construction industry. In 2022, over 600,000 construction jobs went unfilled in the U.S. Worse still, 41% of the current workforce is set to retire by 2031. This shortage leaves companies struggling to maintain project timelines.

We believe that smart construction technologies can help. Automation, robotics, and data-driven solutions can keep projects moving forward despite the labor shortage. These technologies don’t replace workers—they enhance their skills. Automation allows less experienced workers to complete tasks like grading, piling, and excavation more efficiently. Meanwhile, roles that used to be manual, such as measuring and spotting, can now be handled by sensors and cameras, freeing workers to focus on more valuable tasks.

Bottom-Up Approach: Driving Change from the Ground Up

We soon realized that smart construction solutions work best when introduced from the ground up. By directly collaborating with workers, we gained insights into how to make technologies more effective and accessible. This led us to develop a three-stage approach that helps workers embrace new technologies at their own pace.

Instead of pushing technology onto workers, we started by listening to them. Their input shaped how we introduced automation and its benefits to the job site.

Embracing Smart Construction: Addressing Worker Efficiency with Automation and Robotics

Stage 1: Engage Technology Skeptics—Let’s Show, Not Tell

Many workers were initially skeptical about automation on construction sites. The idea of introducing AI and robotics seemed alien to them, especially in an industry so rooted in tradition.

Instead of bombarding them with technical jargon, we decided to show them how automation solves real-world problems. We focused on sharing practical examples, showcasing how peers had successfully used these tools. This approach helped workers see the potential of automation firsthand, sparking curiosity without overwhelming them with complex details.

Stage 2: Explore with Curious Skeptics—Could It Work for Us?

After witnessing the success of automation on other sites, many workers became “curious skeptics.” They didn’t fully understand how the technology worked but were eager to explore whether it could benefit their own projects.

During this stage, we worked closely with workers to address their questions. They began asking us, “Could this technology work for our needs?” For example, after automating excavator control for grading and digging, a customer asked if we could automate pile drivers for more accurate positioning. We replied, “Why not?” This flexibility led to the creation of our Pile Driver Automation system, which was developed based on real-world customer needs.

Stage 3: Partner with Technology Advocates—Let’s Innovate Together

As workers became more comfortable with automation, they transitioned from passive users to active advocates. They no longer saw automation as a novelty but as an essential tool for solving real problems on the job site.

These “Technology Advocates” began to collaborate with us, bringing new ideas to the table. For example, they asked if we could integrate multiple brands of machinery for greater precision. Our role shifted from simply providing solutions to co-developing innovations with our customers. This collaboration led to the creation of our Mango and Mangosteen systems, which seamlessly connect various brands’ products and attachments.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Smart Construction

While the adoption of smart construction technologies takes time, the results are rewarding. By working closely with workers, we empower them to be more efficient and effective in their jobs. Automation in construction is not about replacing workers—it’s about making them better at what they do, leading to fewer errors and greater job satisfaction.

As we continue to evolve, we remain committed to helping workers embrace technology. Each new conversation with our customers opens up new possibilities for improving construction workflows. We’re excited about the future, and we look forward to continuing our work with customers to push the boundaries of innovation in construction.