Robots on Site: Are They Here to Help, or Here to Take Over?

Edd Wilson

Divisional Director (Projects & Facades) at Jesmonite®

May 16, 2025

Alright, so I've been chewing on this for a while, and I reckon it's time we had a proper chat about robots in construction. I'm not talking sci-fi, Terminator-style takeover. I’m talking about the actual bots, cobots, and tech creeping into our sites right now, and the future that's rushing towards us faster than we can say "health and safety."

Now, I'll be the first to admit, I’m a sucker for anything that makes life easier! And on a building site safer, and, dare I say it, a bit more interesting. And that’s where these mechanical marvels come in. We're not just talking about some fancy prototype in a lab anymore. Robots are genuinely on site, making a difference.

Take cobots, for example. These aren’t meant to replace workers but they’re there to assist them. Think of them as extra hands, or maybe a really strong back. They can take on the repetitive tasks, the heavy lifting, and the awkward positions that lead to injuries and burnout. This not only makes the job less taxing on the human body, but also allows our skilled tradespeople to focus on the tasks that actually require their expertise.

Speaking of heavy lifting...remember Boston Dynamics Spot? That dog-like bot. Well that one is currently working on sites, yep… it's not just YouTube gold. Drones too, and they are used for site surveys, progress tracking, and keeping an eye on things from above, saving us time and manpower. Automated bricklaying systems and robotic demolition, for example, are increasingly available and affordable. And let's not forget about Tesla’s Optimus robot. While still in development and a little ways off, if Tesla's plans are accurate, the idea is that these robots could ultimately take on some of the more hazardous or physically demanding roles on construction sites, reducing risks and increasing the well-being of human workers.

All this tech will undoubtedly increase site safety and compliance across the UK. With a more measured and mechanical approach, risks and issues will likely be lowered and with a continued commitment in design and innovation, this will be seen positively.

All of this sounds like science fiction however it's an ongoing trend that, back in 2022, represented $168.2 Million industry wide which is projected to reach $774.6 Million in 2032.

Here’s the big question: What about jobs? 

That’s the elephant in the room. No one wants to see their livelihood taken over by a machine. It’s a valid concern. But I don’t think it’s as simple as robots replacing humans wholesale.

The construction industry has been crying out for skilled labour for years. In my view, the rise of robotics presents an opportunity to retrain and upskill our workforce. Instead of laying bricks, someone might be trained to maintain and program the bricklaying robot. Instead of carrying heavy materials, they might be responsible for managing the flow of materials around the site using drones.

Think about exoskeletons - as these tech companies continue innovating in the field of construction, our job is to upskill people that use them. These robotic systems have the power to add enhancements to workers' physical abilities. We’re essentially transforming manual labor into higher quality, more technologically enhanced roles.

The challenge lies in preparing the workforce for these changes. We need to invest in education and training programs that equip people with the skills they need to thrive in a more automated construction industry. It means re-thinking apprenticeship schemes, creating new training pathways, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to adapt.

Of course, there are still hurdles to overcome. Robots need to be robust enough to withstand the rigours of a construction site. They need to be reliable and easy to maintain. And we need to ensure that they are safe to operate alongside human workers.

We are on the cusp of a technological revolution in the construction industry, and, with innovation and new methods comes great ethical challenges which need to be considered when thinking about job protection. Whether for good or bad, it is hard to confirm and although workers do risk losing work to robots, others will have to do the work to fix them - as innovation moves forward and continues, with commitment and thought we can move forward for a sustainable work-life and robot workforce balance in construction for decades.

What are your thoughts? Are you excited about the potential of robots in construction, or are you worried about the impact on jobs? I’d love to hear your perspective.