At least 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing globally – a number that could nearly double by 2030, according to the United Nations. One big reason for the crisis? A dearth of construction workers. 250,000 additional construction workers are needed by 2028 to meet demands and almost a third of construction companies label the search for skilled staff a “key challenge”.
New startups, such as Amsterdam-based Monumental, could help close the gap. Their AI-powered robots specialise in laying bricks and can potentially help ease labour demand, founder and CEO Salar al Khafaji told MT/Sprout: “Our robots can join the existing workforce and are able to work whatever the weather, with very consistent results.”
The global market for construction robots is expected to grow 17.5% each year until 2030. These AI-powered helpers are being developed all over the globe – from robots that paint and lay floor tiles in Singapore to roof installers in the US. And another Dutch startup, ROPAX, even built a complete house. By this time next year, maybe a robot will build yours. — Melvin Captein
💡What do you think about construction robots and their potential impact? Weigh in using the hashtag #BigIdeas2025
