Australia’s largest construction companies hold first robotics workshop

A group of Australia’s largest construction companies has come together for the first time to discuss the value and potential of robotics for the sector.

The inaugural ‘Australian Construction Robotics Forum’ was hosted in North Sydney on 20 March 2024 by Laing O'Rourke in partnership with Robotics Australia Group.

Participants included Multiplex, John Holland, Acciona, CPB Contractors, CIMIC Group, DT Infrastructure, Ghella, Clough, Fulton Hogan, Seymour Whyte, and Laing O'Rourke and the Robotics Australia Group. Participants were invited via the Australian Constructors Association.

Sue Keay, Chair of the Robotics Australia Group, said, "It is fantastic to see this initiative of construction companies discussing their ideas and experience with robotics.

"It is also encouraging to learn that there is interest in engaging and working with local robotics providers and tackling the current challenges of adoption as a collective."

Greg Peters, Laing O'Rourke's Robotics and Automation Lead, said, "This was the first time the Australian construction industry has come together to discuss robotics, and we are glad to see participants are interested in having ongoing discussions.

"Over the next few weeks, we'll focus on formulating our collective viewpoints from our initial session, set a date for our next workshop and formalise our working group,” said Greg.