{{Short description|Combination of methods, processes, and systems}} '''Automation in construction''' is the combination of methods, processes, and systems that allow for greater machine autonomy in construction activities. Construction automation may have multiple goals, including but not limited to, reducing jobsite injuries, decreasing activity completion times, and assisting with quality control and quality assurance.<ref>{{cite web |title=The impact and opportunities of automation in construction |url=https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/the-impact-and-opportunities-of-automation-in-construction# |website=McKinsey & Company |accessdate=13 November 2020}}</ref> Some systems may be fielded as a direct response to increasing skilled labor shortages in some countries.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vernon |first1=Joe |last2=Hughes |first2=Jeff |title=Using Automation to Combat the Impending Labor Shortage |url=https://www.industryweek.com/supply-chain/supply-chain-technology/article/22024093/using-automation-to-combat-the-impending-labor-shortage |accessdate=13 November 2020 |agency=Industry Week |date=1 September 2017}}</ref> Opponents claim that increased automation may lead to less construction jobs and that software leaves heavy equipment vulnerable to hackers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carter |first1=Jamie |title=Hacked Driverless Cars Could Cause Collisions And Gridlock In Cities, Say Researchers |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2019/03/05/hacked-driverless-cars-could-cause-collisions-and-gridlock-in-cities-say-researchers/?sh=4f4c8d112a09 |accessdate=13 November 2020 |agency=Forbes |date=5 March 2019}}</ref>
Research insights on this subject are today published in several journals such as Automation in Construction by Elsevier.
== Uses of automation in construction ==
# Equipment control and management: Automation can be used to control and monitor construction equipment, such as cranes,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-07-24 |title=Introduction to Construction Cranes |url=https://www.spanco.com/blog/introduction-to-construction-cranes/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Spanco |language=en-US}}</ref> excavators, and bulldozers. # Material handling: Automated systems can be used to handle, transport, and place materials such as concrete, bricks, and stones. # Surveying: Automated survey equipment and drones can be used to collect and analyze data on construction sites. # Quality control: Automated systems can be used to monitor and control the quality of materials and construction processes. # Safety management: Automated systems can be used to monitor and control safety conditions on construction sites. # Scheduling and planning: Automated systems can be used to manage schedules, resources, and costs. # Waste management: Automated systems can be used to manage and dispose of waste materials generated during construction. # 3D printing: Automated 3D printing can be used to create prototypes, models, and even full-scale building components.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Engineering News-Record {{!}} ENR |url=https://www.enr.com/ |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=www.enr.com}}</ref>
== Autonomous heavy equipment == Advances in sensors, machine learning, and autonomous vehicle technology have led to the development of self-operating construction equipment and retrofit systems designed to automate excavators, bulldozers, tracked loaders, skid steer loaders, and haul trucks, allowing them to perform tasks with limited human supervision.<ref name="Poirier2025Autonomous">{{cite web |last=Poirier |first=Sarah |title=Autonomous construction equipment: Market trends and outlook |website=Under the Hard Hat |date=September 8, 2025 |url=https://underthehardhat.org/autonomous-construction-equipment-trends/ |access-date=8 March 2026 }}</ref>
Since 2017, tech companies have developed autonomous or semi-autonomous retrofit kits that can be installed on existing construction machinery. Examples include Bedrock Robotics, Built Robotics, and SafeAI, which develop sensor and software systems that enable excavators and other earthmoving machines to operate with varying degrees of autonomy.<ref name="ENR_2025">{{cite web |last=Yoders |first=Jeff |date=December 12, 2025 |title=Bedrock Robotics Moves Earth With Autonomous Excavators |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/62211-bedrock-robotics-moves-earth-with-autonomous-excavators |website=Engineering News-Record |access-date=9 March 2026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Levy |first=Ari |date=October 19, 2017 |title=This ex-Googler is bringing self-driving excavators to construction sites |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/18/built-robotics-raises-15-million-from-nea-for-autonomous-construction.html |work=CNBC |access-date=9 March 2026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kolodny |first=Lora |date=June 22, 2021 |title=Why driverless tech works for mining and construction but robotaxis aren’t ready, according to SafeAI CEO |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/22/safeai-raises-21-million-to-build-smart-vehicles-for-heavy-industry.html |work=CNBC |access-date=9 March 2026 }}</ref> Major equipment manufacturers have also introduced autonomous capabilities: Caterpillar and John Deere have developed autonomous or semi-autonomous systems for construction and mining equipment, including haul trucks and earthmoving machines.<ref>{{cite web |last=Waldschmidt |first=Jordanne |date=May 24, 2022 |title=Cat Autonomous Mining Truck Navigates an Obstacle Course Filled with Glassware, Breaks Nothing |url=https://www.equipmentworld.com/construction-equipment/video/15292429/caterpillar-autonomous-mining-truck-navigates-obstacle-course |website=Equipment World |access-date=9 March 2026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sutton |first=Rod |date=January 6, 2025 |title=John Deere Autonomous ADT |url=https://www.constructionequipment.com/earthmoving/video/55252998/john-deere-autonomous-adt |website=Construction Equipment |access-date=9 March 2026 }}</ref>
==Transportation сonstruction== Kratos Defense & Security Solutions fielded the world’s first Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator (ATMA) in 2017, in conjunction with Royal Truck & Equipment.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peck |first1=Abe |title=From War Zone to Work Zone |url=https://insideunmannedsystems.com/from-war-zone-to-work-zone/ |access-date=20 December 2020 |agency=Inside Unmanned Systems |publisher=Autonomous Media, LLC |date=23 July 2019}}</ref>
== Benefits of automation in construction == The use of automation in construction has become increasingly prevalent in recent years due to its numerous benefits. Automation in construction refers to the use of machinery, software, and other technologies to perform tasks that were previously done manually by workers.
One of the most significant benefits of automation in construction is increased productivity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The impact and opportunities of automation in construction {{!}} McKinsey |url=https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-impact-and-opportunities-of-automation-in-construction |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=www.mckinsey.com}}</ref> Automation can help speed up construction processes, reduce project completion times, and improve overall efficiency. For example, using automated machinery for tasks such as concrete pouring, bricklaying, and welding can significantly increase the speed and accuracy of these tasks,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Robotics and Automation in Construction. |publisher=InTech |isbn=953-7619-13-3 |location=[Place of publication not identified] |oclc=1096651329}}</ref> allowing for more work to be completed in a shorter amount of time.
Another benefit of automation in construction is improved safety. By automating tasks that are hazardous to workers, such as demolition or working at height, companies can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on site. Automation can also help to reduce worker fatigue, which can be a significant factor in accidents and mistakes.
Overall, the use of automation in construction can improve productivity, reduce costs, increase safety, and improve the quality of construction projects. As technology continues to advance, the use of automation is likely to become even more prevalent in the construction industry.
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:Automation in construction Category:Internet of things Category:Machine learning Category:Applications of artificial intelligence Category:Heavy equipment Category:Self-driving cars