Construction robots market

The global construction robots market size was valued at USD 56.9 million in 2022 and is anticipated to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.67% from 2023 to 2030.  Increased safety regulations in the construction sector are another driving factor for the construction robots market. The rising labor shortages in the construction industry is another key factor influencing the growth of the construction robots market. Technological advancements such as 3D printing are also expected to help in flourishing the construction robots market.

Global Construction Robots Market: Regional Insights

The global construction robots market is regionally segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa.

Among regions, North America is projected to gain strongest share in the global construction robots market over the forecast period. This is attributed to steady technological advancements in the region, shortage of skilled labor, and growing automation across various sectors. This, in turn, is creating demand for construction robots and driving the economic growth of the region. Moreover, growing construction industry of the U.S. and Canada is also likely to drive growth of the global construction robots market over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is also expected to witness robust growth in the global construction robots market over the forecast period, owing to rise in adoption of these technologies, especially after the pandemic, increasing industrial automation, and rise in growth of industries integrating robotics and other technologies such as logistics, manufacturing, as well as construction. Thus, rapidly growing construction industry in several countries across the region is projected to create demand for construction robots, which is likely to drive the market growth.

Figure 1: Global Construction Robots Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

Global Construction Robots Market Drivers:

Rapidly growing urbanization around the world to propel the market growth.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in urbanization all over the world, and it is growing at an exponential rate. For instance, as per the World Bank data, nearly 55% of the global population, or 4.2 billion individuals, live in cities. This trend will grow in the coming years, and by 2050, the number of urban population globally is likely to double with seven out of 10 people around the globe living in the cities. With increasing urbanization, the demand for affordable housing is increasing. This, in turn, is driving construction activities, which is expected to boost the demand for construction robots in the coming future.

Stringent regulations by governments regarding worker’s safety to augment the market pace.

Construction industry often faces high number of accidents, due to which it is subjected to stringent regulations. For instance, as per OSHA, one in five deaths among workers in the U.S. is in the construction industry of the country. Furthermore, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, total 1,061 construction laborers died in the U.S. on the job site. Thus, governments around the world are implementing regulations for equipment vendors too, in order to make construction sites and workplaces safe. This, in turn, is expected to drive growth of the global construction robots market over the forecast period.

Global Construction Robots Market Opportunities:

Rise in adoption of robots in construction industry around the world is expected to offer growth opportunities in the global construction robots market over the forecast period. In the next 10 years, this industry will be transformed with growing use of robots at the construction site for supplying material and helping in construction work. In the near future, the additive manufacturing used for developing infrastructure parts, will be done on job site with bigger and enhanced 3D printing robots. For instance, in January 2020, the largest 3D printed building having five stories and 6,000 sq. ft of floor space was opened in Dubai. Thus, these factors are expected to offer several growth opportunities in the market.

Rise in urban construction in metropolitan cities is expected to create opportunities in the market over the forecast period. Major share of urban construction in these cities is subjected to strict environmental regulations, this in turn is anticipated to drive the adoption of construction robots around the world. Along with this, the industry is seeking solutions for reducing wastage of materials. For instance, as per several experts, construction companies could replace only 25% of their projects with 3D printed structures, which will reduce the demand for labor by 70% and cost by 90%. Thus, this is likely to benefit the global construction robots market in the coming future.

Global Construction Robots Market Trends:

Shortage in skilled laborers leading to demand for robotic solutions is a growing trend

Due to the shortage of skilled workforce in construction industry, there is an increase in demand for robotic solutions in the industry. In the coming years, 3D printing robots along with masonry robots will be in higher demand compared to skilled workforce in construction sector across the globe. Thus, this trend is expected to fuel growth of the global construction robots market during the forecast period.

Rise in demand for heavy construction equipment automation is a major trend

The demand for automation of heavy equipment in construction industry is growing all over the world, along with this, the demand for drilling, driverless demolition, and earth-moving equipment is anticipated to show higher investment and demand in the coming future. For instance, Built Robotics Software received US$ 33 million investment in 2020. Developments like these are expected to grow over the years to come. Thus, the global construction robots market is expected to show strong growth in the near future.

Global Construction Robots Market Restraints:

High cost of setting up and equipment to hamper the market growth

The cost associated with maintenance and acquiring technologies such as construction robots is high, which creates challenges in implementing these robots. The purchase of these robots along with the performance of the tools adds into the overall cost for the manufacturer. Thus, firms and companies having good turnover and market competition are the only ones to afford these construction robots. This, in turn is expected to hinder growth of the global construction robots market over the forecast period.

Unpredictable layout of construction sites to restrain the market growth

Different projects have different layouts of construction sites, due to which, the process of robotic construction requires to be predefined for robotizing the whole project. The construction companies lack specific plans for implementing semi-autonomous or autonomous construction robot solutions. These solutions are new for several companies and need major changes; thus, the companies are not clear about integration of robotics in the designing and planning phase. This factor is thus, expected to hinder growth of the global construction robots market over the forecast period.        

Figure 2: Global Construction Robots Market Share (%), By Type, 2023

Global Construction Robots Market Segmentation:

The global construction robots market report is segmented into Type, and Application.

Based on Type, the market is segmented into Demolition, Bricklaying, 3D Printing, and Other Types (Exoskeletons and Masonry). Out of which, Demolition is expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the increase in number of partnership activities among market players.

Bricklaying segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the growing use of bricklaying robots in the industry. Bricklaying robots offer various advantages due to which the adoption of this technology is growing all over the world. This in turn is expected to support growth of the segment.

Based on Application, the market is segmented into Public Infrastructure, Commercial and Residential Buildings, Other Applications. Out of which, Public Infrastructure is expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the rise in use of construction robots in public infrastructure such as hospitals.  For instance, VA hospital renovation in Pennsylvania, was known to a complicated project, as it included removal of a part of an existing floor and developing a 10 ft deep pit for the new elevator in the solid rock under. This was further carried out with the use of construction robots. Thus, such operations and use of construction robots in public infrastructure is driving the market growth

Commercial and Residential Buildings segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the growing number of commercial and residential building construction projects around the world. Various companies, such Fastbrick Technologies Limited are developing many commercial and residential projects in multiple nations. Their construction robotic technology is increasingly being used in the industry, as they offer various advantages. For instance, Hadrian X of Fastbrick Technologies is capable of working with precision in different environmental conditions. It can develop an average-sized residential place every two days. Thus, such factors are, in turn expected, to support growth of the segment.

Global Construction Robots Market: Key Developments

In January 2021, Husqvarna Group, Construction Division announced the acquisition of Blastrac, a leading surface preparation technologies provider for the global construction and remediation industry. This acquisition is likely to complement the organic growth ambitions of the company.

In July 2020, Fastbrick Robotics Ltd., and Archistruct Builders & Designers signed a contract for supplying blocklaying services for the construction of a display house in Western Australia. This new contract replaced the earlier agreement with both companies after the announcement of the discontinuation of the Fastbrick Australia joint venture.

In January 2021, the Fastbrick Robotics Ltd. announced that the Hadrian X bricklaying robot of the company will be utilized in a pilot program for building two prototype houses for Xella, a Germany-based brick manufacturer. Xella will be providing its Ytong autoclaved aerated concrete blocks and Silka calcium silica blocks to build houses at Fastbrick’s facility in Australia.

In February 2022, Husqvarna AB announced to start a pilot project with Watts Battery, Fastbrick Robotics Ltd, robotic machine Hadrian X started its operations to build the walls of 16 townhouses for the Satterley development.

Global Construction Robots Market: Key Companies Insights

The global construction robots market is highly competitive. This is attributed to continuous launch of new technologies due to ongoing R &D and efforts by value chain participants. Moreover, key players are adopting various business growth strategies in order to expand their presence on regional as well as global basis.

Some of the key players in the global construction robots market are Ekso Bionics, Brokk AB, COBOD International AS, Husqvarna AB, Apis Cor, Construction Robotics LLC, Dusty Robotics, Fastbrick Robotics Ltd., and Advanced Construction Robotics Inc.

*Definition:

Construction robots are automated machines that complete tasks on construction sites. Some of these tasks are incredibly repetitive and difficult for humans to do. Construction robots are transforming the way construction projects are managed. They reduce cost, improve efficiency, and help projects meet schedules without compromising quality.

Detailed Segmentation:

• Global Construction Robots Market, By Type
  • Demolition
  • Bricklaying
  • 3D Printing
  • Other Types (Exoskeletons and Masonry)
• Global Construction Robots Market, By Application
  • Public Infrastructure
  • Commercial and Residential Buildings
  • Other Applications
• Global Construction Robots Market, By Geography
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East and Africa