The Benefits of Automated Equipment in Construction
Automation has been on the agenda across industries for some time now — for better or worse. Practices that might have only been discussed as hypothetical or experimental just a few years ago are now a tangible reality.
In construction, technologies such as unmanned machinery, intelligent compaction systems and drones are being widely used, radically transforming the way buildings and infrastructure come to life.
Consider drones surveying landscapes from above to capture detailed site data. Remote control rollers delivering precise compaction results. This growth in automated construction equipment is reshaping how teams work, helping projects become more efficient, more predictable and safer.
While the construction industry’s suitability for automation poses a risk for the number of jobs available, the opportunity to adapt and leverage automated construction equipment is significant for companies looking to stay competitive.
Construction topped the list as the industry most likely to be hardest hit by the coming wave of automation. The construction industry had the highest proportion of routine and manual tasks with high potential for automation.
However, Australia is the most prepared and second least at-risk country from automation, with investment in its future workforce a significant factor.
Contents:
Benefits of automated construction equipment
Types of automated equipment used in construction
Benefits of automated construction equipment
Improved efficiency and productivity
Automated equipment, from drones to robotic arms, are revolutionising how construction tasks are performed onsite. Drones, for instance, are used for aerial surveys, providing accurate measurements and real-time data more effectively than traditional methods.
Bricklaying robots can work continuously, significantly reducing the time and labour required to complete menial tasks.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has reported that when operating equipment with machine control, some construction companies have seen productivity improve by 30-50%.
Enhanced safety measures
Worker safety is a top priority in construction. Automated construction equipment reduces human exposure to hazardous tasks, machinery and environments, helping prevent incidents before they occur.
Wearable technology and onsite sensors monitor conditions in real time, offering early warnings for fatigue, temperature exposure, fall risks and other health indicators.
Safe Work Australia reports that work related fatalities have decreased by 30 percent over the last decade. Vehicle incidents remain the most common cause, while other high risk categories include machinery roll overs and workers being trapped by equipment. Any automation that reduces proximity to risk or replaces high hazard tasks can make a meaningful impact on improving site safety.
Cost savings
The initial investment in automation technology is offset by significant long term cost savings. Automated equipment reduces reliance on manual labour, while autonomous technologies improve accuracy and help reduce material waste and rework.
On autonomous construction sites, drones handle surveys and inspections, 3D printing produces components and GPS enabled equipment monitors materials and staff. These systems help ensure progress aligns with digital models, improving quality control and reducing costly corrections later.
A study by the Boston Consulting Group predicted that digitalisation in non-residential construction could lead to global annual cost savings of up to $1.2 trillion (or 21 percent) across engineering and construction phases from 2016 to 2026.
Addressing the labour shortage
The construction industry has been grappling with a labour shortage for more than a decade. Automation and artificial intelligence are providing innovative solutions to address this issue.
AI tools now streamline invoicing, order tracking, credit collection and reconciliations, freeing up accounts teams to focus on higher value strategic work.
For architects and engineers, AI accelerates early design by producing fast, realistic concepts and improving rebar detailing through pattern analysis. While AI doesn’t replace human expertise, it enhances capacity and helps teams work more effectively with fewer bottlenecks.
Types of automated equipment used in construction
By improving precision, safety, and productivity, equipment with automated elements such as drones, autonomous vehicles, robotic arm systems and intelligent compaction rollers have made a significant impact on industry practices.
Drones
Drones can access hard to reach places and capture high accuracy data quickly. They’re ideal for:
- Topographic surveys
- Building inspections
- Progress monitoring
Real time aerial footage helps project managers track developments, validate work completed and maintain timelines.
Autonomous construction vehicles
Autonomous site vehicles, such as self-driving trucks, excavators, and bulldozers, are equipped with GPS sensors and programmed to respond to AI algorithms. These technologies enable them to operate in complex construction environments with minimal human intervention.
Self-driving trucks transport materials across sites, optimising logistics and reducing delays. Autonomous excavators and bulldozers can perform excavation, grading, and site preparation tasks around the clock, improving project speed and reducing labour costs.
A prime example is Conplant’s Unmanned Rollers, which operate without an onboard driver, reducing risk and eliminating potential site shutdowns caused by operator proximity.
Robotic arm systems
Robotic arm systems offer unprecedented precision and efficiency in tasks like bricklaying, concrete pouring, and welding.
Robotic arms can lay bricks much faster than manual methods, with the added advantages of continuous operation and consistent quality. In concrete pouring, robotic arms ensure precise control over the flow and placement of concrete, reducing waste and improving structural integrity.
For welding tasks, robotic systems provide accurate, high-quality welds, essential for structural strength and durability. These robotic systems not only speed up construction processes but also contribute to worker safety by performing high-risk tasks in place of humans.
Intelligent compaction and automation systems
Intelligent compaction systems such as Völkel navigation and monitoring technology measure, document and control compaction levels in real time.
They support smoother earthworks and asphalt compaction by providing operators with data driven insights that raise project quality and reduce the need for future rework.
Looking to improve onsite safety and productivity? Check out our Innovation & Safety automation solutions.
Technical and operational barriers
While automation offers many benefits for construction, it’s not without its own challenges.
Data quality and availability
Automation relies on accurate, consistent data. Variations in sensor output, inconsistent data formats or gaps in collection can impact performance or lead to incorrect decisions.
Connectivity and interoperability
Automation also depends on secure, reliable connectivity and interoperability among various technologies and stakeholders. Connectivity can be affected by environmental factors such as weather, terrain, or interference, while interoperability can be hindered by technical or regulatory barriers.
Technical limitations and failures
Automated equipment is powerful but not infallible. Unexpected site conditions or complex tasks may require human intervention. System faults, hardware breakdowns or security vulnerabilities also highlight the need for strong maintenance and cybersecurity practices.
Legal and security issues
Automation can also create legal uncertainties or conflicts, like who’s liable for the actions of automated technologies? Or how to protect the intellectual property or privacy of the data involved. Lastly, automation can pose security threats, including unauthorised access, manipulation, or sabotage of equipment or data.
To overcome these technical and operational barriers, project and industry leaders need to invest in research and development, while properly engaging with both stakeholders and regulators.
The future of automation in construction
The adoption of automated construction equipment is not a passing trend; it’s a fundamental shift toward more efficient, safer and data driven project delivery. As automation evolves, we’ll see smarter AI tools, more advanced drones and increasingly capable autonomous vehicles.
This evolution requires thoughtful workforce training, technology integration and investment strategies. We’re entering a phase where automated systems and human expertise work side by side to deliver higher quality outcomes more consistently.
One thing is certain — construction industry practices will never stand still.
Want to see how you can leverage automation tools on your site? Get in touch with our team.
