The construction industry is seeing big changes in how work is done on-site. A new report from ABC finds that contractors are increasingly using drones and robotics to monitor progress, move materials, and enhance safety on job sites. This rise in drone and robotics adoption is a positive sign for a field typically resistant to adopting new technology.
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) 2025 Field Tech Report shows how these tools are transforming day-to-day operations, from aerial site monitoring to automated layout and inspections. The report shows that new tools are helping contractors connect what happens in the field with what’s planned in the office, making projects easier to manage and track.
“Field technology is no longer optional. It’s becoming a core part of how construction gets done safely and efficiently,” said ABC Vice President of Construction Technology and Innovation Matt Abeles.
On jobsites today, autonomous drones fly scheduled missions or launch on demand to capture high-resolution images and create 3D models of work in progress. The report highlights how “drone docks” and automated flight paths are improving consistency and saving time. Instead of waiting for manual walk-throughs or surveys, teams can track daily progress, document cut and fill volumes, and catch problems early.
Patrick Irwin, chair of ABC’s National Innovation and Technology Committee, said that “field technology can close the gap between off-site strategies and jobsite activity,” helping contractors make better decisions and increase productivity.
Robotics is also stepping into layout, material handling, and inspections. Contractors are using advanced tools from companies like Trimble to perform repetitive or high-risk tasks. Layout robots and laser scanners are replacing string lines and tape measures, feeding information directly into BIM models. Contractors using these systems are reporting fewer layout errors, faster installations, and safer, more predictable jobsite routines. Some firms are even experimenting with robotic dogs to inspect tight or hazardous spaces where people might be at risk.
This shift in drone and robotics adoption is helping solve one of construction’s biggest challenges: the labor shortage. Automating routine jobs—like scanning layouts or lifting materials—helps crews spend more time on detailed work that still requires a person’s skill.
According to ABC’s report, companies adopting these tools are seeing measurable gains in productivity and project speed. Moreover, cloud-based project management tools are now among the most widely adopted technologies on modern jobsites. These digital tools, combined with automation, are giving project managers better visibility into progress and performance. The result is fewer surprises, stronger profit margins, and a clear competitive edge for early adopters.
Of course, new tech always comes with challenges. High upfront costs, equipment maintenance, and worker training remain barriers to broader use. Not every company is ready to invest, but as prices fall and training becomes easier, the report suggests adoption will continue to rise.
Looking ahead, integration will be the next frontier. Drones and robots are beginning to link directly to BIM and digital twin platforms, giving designers, owners, and field crews the same real-time view. As that connection deepens, jobsites will become even smarter, safer, and faster.
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