Sentiment around construction robotics innovation rises while implementation wavers

Construction companies are getting better at identifying and implementing innovative equipment and robotic technologies, or at least the sentiments surrounding their efforts are, according to BuiltWorlds’ newly released 2025 Equipment & Robotics Benchmarking Report.

“Contractors, owners, and tech providers alike are exploring how robotics for tasks like layout, drilling and/or material transport, when combined with connected equipment and data-driven decision-making, can create a more efficient, responsive, and scalable construction environment,” writes Audrey Lynch, senior research analyst for BuiltWorlds as well as the report’s author. “This shift reflects a broader industry movement toward intelligent, tech-enabled workflows that bridge field execution with digital planning and performance optimization.

The Equipment & Robotics Benchmarking Report collects data from a wide range of contractors in the field, featuring a mix of general, specialty trade and subcontractors, ranging in revenue from $2 million to over $5 billion. The sentiments of this group represent a baseline for the industry’s attitudes towards equipment and robotics innovation at the company level; and year over year, those attitudes have improved.

The report reads: “Notably, negative attitudes towards internal, enterprise-wide robotics strategies have dropped considerably year over year, with "fair" evaluations falling 14 percentage points and not a single "poor" evaluation appearing in this year's survey—a stark difference from last year's 7.4%. Meanwhile, positive attitudes are reportedly increasing. Evaluations considered "good" or better rose from 74% in 2024 to just over 95% this year, including a near 10 percentage point jump in "excellent" evaluations.” 

While Sentiment Rises, Implementation (In Some Ways) Dips

However, despite this uptick in positive sentiment, when looking at levels of actual tech implementation, specifically as it relates to robotics, the year-over-year numbers show slight regression.

Where 65% of respondents in 2024 reported employing at least some form of robotics or automated machinery, only 46% said the same in this year’s report. At a glance, this seems to reflect falling interest in robotics, but it may be a matter of growing discernment.

“A large section of last year’s reported robotics use came in the form of pilots,” said Lynch. “This year we’ve seen a much smaller share of pilots but more repeated use on projects, suggesting more selective though serious implementation, albeit on smaller scales.”

The takeaway is that while widespread robotic adoption remains in its early stages, a growing commitment among a small share of contractors does signal the technology is slowly but surely transitioning from “future tech” to a truly modern day jobsite solution. 

About BuiltWorlds
BuiltWorlds is a leading research platform, providing insights, advisory services, networking, and conferences that focus on guiding business and technology leaders in the buildings and infrastructure sectors. BuiltWorlds has a network of more than 250 companies from over 25 countries, and its services are rooted in the belief that connection, innovation and informed decision-making leads to better business outcomes. Through focused research and accompanying analysis, a robust digital platform, and a growing schedule of educational programming, BuiltWorlds equips and enables its network of clients to navigate a dynamic and evolving industry landscape.