Construction Robots Market by Type (Traditional Robot, Robotic Arm, and Exoskeleton), Function (Demolition, Bricklaying, Material Handling, and Others), End Use (Industrial, Residential, and Commercial), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Construction Robots Overview

The robotic technologies that are developed, produced, and used in the construction industry are known as the construction robots. These robots are made to help and automate several activities during the building process, increasing production, efficiency, and safety. Numerous tasks, including bricklaying, concrete pouring, welding, demolition, excavation, and even 3D printing of buildings, can be accomplished by construction robots. They can operate in complicated conditions since they are furnished with cutting-edge sensors, artificial intelligence, and accurate control systems. By doing dangerous or repetitive jobs, these robots not only shorten project timelines and labor costs but also improve worker safety.

Global Construction Robots Market Analysis

The global construction robots market size was $131.6 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 16.5%, by generating a revenue of $603.5 billion by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Construction Robots Market

The market for construction robots has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction work was greatly hampered by the global lockdowns and limitations implemented by governments to control the spread of virus. The number of building projects that were suspended, postponed, or abandoned resulted in a decline in the market for construction robots. The pandemic also affected the manufacturing and distribution of construction robots by disrupting global supply channels. There were closures or decreased operations at manufacturing sites, which resulted in a shortage of supplies and higher costs for these robotic systems.

Although there were some early difficulties, the construction industry eventually adjusted to the new normal, and construction robots were essential in guaranteeing efficiency and safety on work sites. In order to lower the risk of virus transmission among construction workers, these robots were used for activities that required little human interaction. Even during the pandemic, construction robots showed their potential to optimize procedures and boost output, from autonomous bricklaying and 3D printing to robotic demolition and excavation.

Increase in Adoption of Robots in the Construction Industry to Drive the Market Growth

There has been an increase in need for construction projects, due to rising urbanization, increasing population, and infrastructure development. Construction businesses are using construction robots to automate labor-intensive and repetitive jobs as they are under increasing pressure to complete projects more quickly and efficiently. These robots can dramatically shorten project deadlines and boost productivity by accelerating building procedures. The adoption of construction robots has been significantly influenced by safety concerns in the sector. Construction sites are frequently dangerous places with risks for workers. Businesses can improve worker safety and decrease on-site accidents by using robots for risky operations like demolition, heavy lifting, and operating at heights. Construction robots are also more capable and adaptable because of advances in robotic technology. These robots can now execute complex jobs and adapt to changing construction settings due to advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning capabilities.

High Initial Cost of Construction Robots to Hamper the Market Revenue Growth

The high initial cost of purchasing and implementing construction robots may be a major restraining factor. The high upfront costs of these sophisticated robotic systems may discourage some construction firms, particularly smaller ones, from implementing the technology. The expenses related to staff training to use and maintain these robots could also limit their widespread adoption. The difficulty of integrating construction robots into current workflows and processes is another possible factor projected to hamper market growth. Adopting automation and robotics may require significant adjustments to the established practices of the construction sector, which may encounter resistance or logistical difficulties. In addition, regulatory and safety concerns can operate as market inhibitors for construction robots. It is crucial to ensure the safe functioning of robots along with human workers in the dynamic and possibly dangerous surroundings of construction sites. The market expansion is projected to be hampered by the need for more effort and resources to comply with safety laws and industry standards.

Advancements in Technology to Create Excellent Opportunities in the Market

By introducing automation and enhancing productivity, security, and accuracy on building sites, these cutting-edge technologies have transformed the construction sector. The development of autonomous construction robots is one of the most significant developments. These robots have cutting-edge sensors, computer vision systems, and AI algorithms that let them navigate challenging building sites, avoid obstacles, and complete tasks with the least amount of assistance from humans. They can carry out a variety of operations, such as heavy lifting, welding, and concrete pouring, which helps to increase production by lowering the demand for human labor. Moreover, the planning and execution of projects have significantly improved as a result of the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) with construction robots. Construction teams may generate virtual representations of structures and infrastructure with the help of BIM technology, which can subsequently be used to precisely program robots. This guarantees that work performed by construction robots is more accurate and precise, which reduces errors and wasteful material use.

Global Construction Robots Market Share, by Function, 2022

The material handling sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. By automating numerous jobs and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of construction operations, construction robots are revolutionizing the industry. The material handling category is one of the most important and influential applications in this market. Moving, storing, and transporting building supplies and individual parts are all procedures of material handling on construction sites. This procedure has historically been labor- and time-intensive, increasing expenses and posing a risk to employees' safety. However, these difficulties are being overcome with the development of construction robots intended exclusively for material handling activities. Building robots with material handling capabilities can carry out a variety of duties, such as loading and unloading bulky items, moving building materials across the job site, and stacking things for storage. To ensure accurate and secure handling of building materials, these robots are frequently outfitted with cutting-edge sensors, vision systems, and sophisticated algorithms.

Global Construction Robots Market Share, by Type, 2022

The robotic arm sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Cutting-edge robotic arms feature numerous specialized end-effectors, including grippers, drills, and welding tools, and are created to replicate human-like actions. Their adaptability enables them to execute a variety of construction tasks, including excavation, welding, pouring concrete, and others. There are many important benefits of using robotic arms in the construction business. They reduce the chance of harm to human workers on building sites by taking on dangerous duties. In addition, they can work continuously around the clock, accelerating project schedules and enhancing overall effectiveness. Construction companies can also optimize labor by automating repetitive operations. In addition, robotic arms help to improve precision and accuracy, which results in higher-quality construction results. These robots can adapt to changes in the environment and ensure perfect positioning and movement with the integration of sensors and cutting-edge control systems. Owing to this, building projects see less rework and material waste, which results in time and resource savings. Robotic arms may need a substantial initial investment, but their long-term advantages outweigh the expenses, making them a desirable option for construction enterprises seeking to maintain market competitiveness.

Global Construction Robots Market Share, by End Use, 2022

The industrial sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. With the introduction of cutting-edge technologies and automation, the construction industry has undergone considerable changes. The quick development and uptake of construction robots is one of the major drivers of this revolution. These robots are essential for expediting building procedures, boosting productivity, and enhancing site security. The industrial sector has become a significant player in the market for construction robots. Construction operations are incorporating industrial robots to efficiently perform labor-intensive and repetitive jobs. These chores involve, among others, heavy lifting, welding, pouring concrete, and bricklaying. Construction organizations can decrease their dependance on human labor, lower the likelihood of accidents occurring on the job site, and increase overall project productivity by automating these processes. Industrial robots also contribute a high degree of accuracy and consistency to building activities, enhancing quality, and shortening project schedules. Long-term cost reductions from using construction robots are also possible because they reduce material waste and maximize resource efficiency.

Global Construction Robots Market Share, by Region, 2022

The Asia-Pacific construction robots market generated the highest revenue in 2022. With countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India playing crucial roles in boosting this expansion, the construction sector in Asia-Pacific is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world. The demand for cutting-edge and effective technology in the construction industry has increased as a result of growing urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and a focus on modernizing construction practices. Due to their capacity to increase productivity, improve safety, and handle labor shortages, construction robots have been gaining popularity in the region. These robots are capable of a variety of jobs, such as bricklaying, 3D printing, welding, excavation, and demolition. By implementing them, human labor can be greatly reduced, the building can proceed more quickly, and minimize human errors, thereby leading to cost savings and better project outcomes. To gain a competitive edge and tackle the challenges offered by a fast-changing sector, governments, and construction corporations in the region have been aggressively investigating and investing in robotics and automation technology. In addition, these robots are now smarter and able to do difficult jobs due to developments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor technology. In the upcoming years, the construction robots market in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow even more due to ongoing infrastructure projects, technological advancements, and growing public awareness of the advantages of automation in the building industry.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Construction Robots Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. One of the leading market players in the industry is Exyn Technologies. Exyn Technologies, a supplier of AI-powered industrial robots and drones, and Trimble Inc., a provider of services, hardware, and software in the technology industry, announced the introduction of an autonomous construction surveillance system in November 2022. With the help of the new technology, completely autonomous missions may be carried out in complicated, dynamic construction sites, producing accurate reality capture data for workflows for quality and production control.

Some of the leading construction robots market players are Construction Robots, ABB, Advanced Construction Robots, BROKK GLOBAL, Ekso Bionics, Autonomous Solutions Inc., MX3D, Husqvarna AB, FBR Ltd, and Conjet.