Tilbury Douglas has introduced a humanoid robot on a live construction site, becoming the first tier one contractor in the UK to trial the technology in an operational construction environment.
The robot, named Douglas, has been deployed to support site teams by carrying out administrative data-collection tasks and capturing site progress information.
The move forms part of the company’s wider digital transformation strategy, aimed at improving productivity and addressing ongoing labour and skills pressures across the construction sector.
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The robot is capable of autonomously navigating site environments to capture 360-degree imagery and produce detailed progress reports.
The data collected is intended to support project reporting processes, as well as contribute to health and safety monitoring activities on site.
According to Tilbury Douglas, the system is expected to save an average of 40 hours per month by reducing time spent on manual site documentation tasks.
Focus on productivity and skills pressures
Mark Buckle, Technical Director at Tilbury Douglas, said the introduction of robotics reflects wider industry challenges around workforce capacity and skills shortages.
He commented: “The construction industry continues to face a skills shortage and ongoing resource challenges. By utilising innovative technology such as this robot, we can automate key processes, assist our teams and enable our people to focus their expertise where it adds the greatest value.”
The trial is being positioned as part of a broader shift towards digital tools and automation in construction delivery, particularly in areas such as site monitoring, reporting and compliance.
Technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence and data-led construction management are increasingly being explored by contractors looking to improve efficiency and address labour constraints.
Tilbury Douglas said the deployment of the robot demonstrates how emerging technologies can be integrated into live project environments to support operational performance while maintaining safety and reporting standards.
Industry trend towards automation on site
The use of robotics on construction sites remains in early stages across the UK, with contractors increasingly testing digital solutions to support productivity, reduce administrative workload and improve data accuracy.
The trial represents one of the first applications of humanoid robotics in day-to-day site operations within a tier one contracting environment.
