Robotics & Automation News

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Construction

Terhoeven unveils ‘world’s first’ fully automated line for reinforcing steel mesh

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Terhoeven, also known as Hambi, has unveiled what it claims is “the world’s first fully automated line for reinforcing steel mesh”. The system utilizes drive and automation technology from Mitsubishi Electric.

The construction industry relies heavily on manual labor, particularly in tasks like cutting reinforcing steel mesh.

Terhoeven, a medium-sized mechanical engineering firm, says it has “revolutionized” this process with an innovative system that automates the cutting and stacking of reinforcing steel meshes. [Read more…] about Terhoeven unveils ‘world’s first’ fully automated line for reinforcing steel mesh

Construction robotics: Building the future

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The construction industry, a cornerstone of economic development, stands on the cusp of a technological revolution. While sectors like manufacturing and logistics have long embraced automation, construction has traditionally been more reliant on manual labor.

However, the tide is turning. A new wave of innovation is bringing robotics to the forefront, promising to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity on building sites.

While artistic interpretations of robots in architecture, like those seen at the Venice Architecture Biennale, spark the imagination, there is a sense of anticipation that the practical, real-world robotic systems now emerging could completely transform the construction sector. [Read more…] about Construction robotics: Building the future

Construction robotics market set to grow from $1.15 billion to $4.10 billion

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The construction robots market is experiencing “significant growth” as automation and AI-driven technologies revolutionize construction processes, improving efficiency, safety, and productivity across various applications.

The SNS Insider report indicates that the Construction Robots Market size was valued at $1.15 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow to $4.10 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 15.18 percent over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

The Construction Robots Market is experiencing unprecedented growth due to rapid technological advancements, increasing automation adoption, and a pressing need to address labor shortages in the construction industry. [Read more…] about Construction robotics market set to grow from $1.15 billion to $4.10 billion

Opinion: Are humanoid robots coming soon to the construction industry?

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By Mateo Zimmerman, investment manager at Cemex Ventures

The construction industry is no stranger to automation. Task-specific robots – like bricklaying machines, autonomous vehicles, and plastering systems – have long improved safety and efficiency by handling repetitive tasks in structured environments.

Humanoid robots, by contrast, are designed to replicate human motion and behavior, making them better suited for general-purpose roles. With major tech players like Google and Meta investing in this next frontier, the question is how soon humanlike robots will join crews on job sites.

The potential is real, but so are the challenges. Construction sites are unpredictable, and humanoid robots must prove they can adapt to dynamic conditions at a viable cost. These machines will also need to integrate with existing workflows, justify their expense, and gain buy-in from workers, unions, and insurers. [Read more…] about Opinion: Are humanoid robots coming soon to the construction industry?

RIC Robotics to launch ‘world’s first AI-powered giant construction robot’

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RIC Robotics, a specialist developer of mobile 3D construction robotics, says it plans to launch Zyrex, the world’s first “Giantroid” – its own word for a 20-foot-tall, AI-powered, general-purpose construction robot.

RIC says the robot is designed to be cognitive and ultimately fully autonomous, capable of executing complex and delicate tasks across commercial and industrial job sites.

A working prototype is expected in early 2026, marking a significant leap forward in the evolution of robotic construction. [Read more…] about RIC Robotics to launch ‘world’s first AI-powered giant construction robot’

Benefits of AI in construction project management

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Behind every construction project is a network of tasks, teams, and deadlines, where even small disruptions can lead to costly delays.

Despite technological advancements, including the rise of AI in construction project management, the industry continues to face budget overruns, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and safety risks.

Studies state that large projects take 20% longer than planned and exceed budgets by up to 80%. Poor data management alone costs the industry $1.8 trillion annually, with $88 billion lost to avoidable rework. [Read more…] about Benefits of AI in construction project management

Construction robotics: Okibo brings painting robot to America

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Okibo, a developer of construction robotics, is opening its US headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey, and the official launch of its EG7 robot in the American market.

After establishing its US base in 2024, Okibo’s fully autonomous, AI-guided painting and drywall finishing robots are already active on major American construction sites, having covered more than one million square feet in Europe.

The EG7 is a next-generation, battery-powered robot requiring zero site preparation, external references, or technical expertise to operate. Unlike systems that depend on external markers or BIM tools, the EG7 uses a patented AI-driven 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm for navigation and execution. [Read more…] about Construction robotics: Okibo brings painting robot to America

Interview: ‘Robotics in construction will revolutionize the sector’

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Cemex is a Mexican multinational building materials company headquartered in San Pedro, Mexico. It manufactures and distributes cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregates in more than 50 countries. In 2020, it was ranked as the 5th largest cement company by amount of cement produced annually in the world, at more than 87 million tonnes. 

In 2017, it founded its investment arm, Cemex Ventures, which currently has a portfolio that lists more than 30 companies on its books.

In this interview, we speak with Ibon Iribar, investment and open innovation advisor at Cemex Ventures, and ask him about robotics and automation in the construction sector and whether new technologies such as these can make a difference to the stagnant growth in productivity that the sector has historically shown over the course of many decades. [Read more…] about Interview: ‘Robotics in construction will revolutionize the sector’

Skyline Robotics and Alimak partner to automate building maintenance for new construction sites globally

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Skyline Robotics, a developer of window-cleaning robots for skyscrapers, and Alimak Group have reached a mutually exclusive agreement between the companies to create a “next-generation automated building maintenance unit” setting a new standard for architectural and asset management industries.

Alimak Group’s global expertise in vertical access solutions and Skyline’s deep tech and robotics expertise is a powerful combination in transforming the industry faced with increasingly complex design challenges, labor shortages and best practices.

Alimak Group has also made an undisclosed strategic investment in Skyline Robotics to further along the project development. [Read more…] about Skyline Robotics and Alimak partner to automate building maintenance for new construction sites globally

Saudi Arabia invests in automated construction startup GMT Robotics

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NEOM, the sustainable region taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, has signed a landmark investment agreement with GMT Robotics, one of Europe’s emerging innovators in advanced construction technology.

Led by NEOM’s strategic investment arm, NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), the investment will accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through construction robotics, while underpinning NEOM as an innovator in modern construction techniques, including automation.

Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund, says: “Our investment in GMT Robotics reflects NEOM’s commitment to driving transformative technologies that will unlock next-generation industries. [Read more…] about Saudi Arabia invests in automated construction startup GMT Robotics