Robots are no longer a distant prospect for the construction industry – they’re already on site. But not all robots are the same. Most of what’s currently in use falls into the category of task-specific robotics – machines designed to perform a single, narrowly defined job. Think robotic bricklayers, autonomous site surveyors, or wall-plastering machines. These tools are built for repeatability and efficiency in controlled settings, and they’ve quickly become valuable additions to construction crews.

But a new type of machine is starting to generate buzz: humanoid robots. Unlike their task-specific counterparts, these general-purpose robots are designed to move and interact like people – walking on two legs, navigating uneven terrain, handling a variety of tools, and performing multiple types of work. The idea is that, by mimicking human movement and dexterity, humanoid robots could one day take on a broader range of tasks in dynamic environments like construction sites.

With major tech players investing heavily in this next generation of robotics, construction leaders are beginning to ask: could humanoid robots soon find a place in the industry. And, if so, what would that mean for workers, safety, and the economics of the job site?

What’s already here

Task-specific robots are already delivering measurable results in construction. They’re taking on physically demanding, repetitive, and hazardous tasks like plastering, demolition, surveying, and materials transport – areas in which crews have traditionally faced safety risks and productivity bottlenecks.

As the benefits become clearer, companies like OKIBO – autonomous plastering robots – and Monumental – onsite construction automation with robotics – are scaling rapidly, and investor interest is rising in step. These technologies are no longer experimental; they’re proving themselves on active job sites, helping offset labor shortages while improving efficiency and safety. For instance, Okibo’s specialized robots are already operational on construction sites, and they've been deployed across Europe and major American sites, showcasing the practicality of task-specific automation.

Each successful deployment also plays a larger role in preparing the industry for broader automation. By establishing clear use cases and building trust among contractors and crews, task-specific robotics is helping define the workflows, safety protocols, and training standards that will be essential when more advanced systems – including humanoid robots – begin to arrive.

What’s coming

In 2022, the global construction robotics market was valued at $168.2M, and projections indicate it will reach $774M by 2032, marking a 360 percent growth over a decade. While task-specific systems are proving their value today, humanoid robots are generating growing interest as a possible next leap. These general-purpose machines are being designed to walk, carry tools, and navigate environments built for people, making them an intriguing fit for construction, at least in theory.

But that vision is currently still out of reach. Most progress in humanoid robotics is happening in logistics and manufacturing, where the settings are more controlled. Companies like Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and Figure AI are refining movement, perception, and safety systems in warehouses, not on muddy, uneven construction sites.

That said, construction-focused pilots are beginning to emerge. Startups such as Field AI – an AI-powered robotic platform – are experimenting with how humanoid and quadruped robots might assist with material handling or jobsite monitoring. These efforts are promising but still nascent. Battery life, durability, dexterity, and real-time responsiveness are still major hurdles, especially in the chaotic conditions that define most building projects.

Even so, the momentum is building. Top-tier investors are pouring resources into humanoid robotics, confident that breakthroughs will come. For construction leaders, the conversation is shifting from whether these robots will become viable to when they will arrive. And with that shift comes a new challenge: figuring out how to prepare for their eventual arrival.

Building toward a robotic future

Widespread integration of humanoid robots into construction workflows is still years – likely a decade or more – away. The physical demands, unpredictable environments, and fragmented nature of construction sites pose complex challenges that current humanoid platforms are only beginning to address. In the meantime, task-specific robotics will continue to lead the charge.

But to ensure the transition to a robotic future is a smooth one, securing buy-in from all key stakeholders will be crucial, starting with the workforce. Many workers will understandably view the introduction of humanoid robots as a threat to job security, not a tool for support.

Construction companies will need to address those concerns directly, making the case that robots are being introduced to augment crews, not replace them. In practice, that might mean a robot assisting a two-person team by handling physically punishing or repetitive tasks like plastering or bricklaying, allowing the human workers to focus on higher-skill activities and finish projects faster.

That shift will inevitably redefine roles and increase certain skill requirements. Crews will need basic training in robot operation and troubleshooting, especially as robots, like any other equipment, can malfunction or require downtime for maintenance. Over time, this could open new pathways for workers to move into safer, more specialized, and more technical roles, without abandoning the foundational craftsmanship that defines the industry.

Labor unions, long a powerful force in construction, will also play a pivotal role in guiding this transition. Understandably, unions will raise concerns about job displacement, increased monitoring, and shifts in crew structure and responsibilities. But they also have a vested interest in protecting workers from the most dangerous aspects of the job. If the introduction of robots can demonstrably reduce injuries, fatigue, and exposure to high-risk tasks, the case for collaboration becomes clearer.

The key will be transparency. Contractors and robotics developers need to proactively engage unions – sharing data, discussing implementation plans, and involving them in adapting training and safety standards. The most successful deployments will be those that frame robots not as a threat to workers, but as tools that help them stay safer, go home healthier, and work more efficiently.

Insurers, too, will be watching closely. Robotic systems introduce a new layer of operational risk, raising important questions around liability, coverage, and compliance. What happens if a robot collides with a worker or damages property? Who’s responsible for ensuring robotic equipment meets regulatory safety standards? In the early stages, these unknowns could drive up premiums, complicating ROI calculations for contractors and developers.

But insurers are not inherently opposed to robotics – far from it. Many are already exploring how these systems could reduce claims by preventing injuries and minimizing on-site accidents. Over time, clear safety records, detailed certifications, and robust data sharing could help bring down coverage costs, making robotics not just safer but also more financially viable.

Final thoughts

The future of robotics in construction won’t be determined by hardware alone. As task-specific systems reshape job sites and humanoid robots inch closer to viability, the real test will be the industry’s ability to bring people along. That means clear communication, targeted upskilling, thoughtful engagement with unions, and coordination with insurers.

Robotics holds the potential to help construction build a smarter, safer, and more resilient industry. But in this business, technology only matters if it solves a real problem. Flashy technology won’t cut it. To succeed, robots – humanoid or otherwise – must deliver measurable value, do it quickly, and prove their return on investment from day one.