How to improve productivity on job sites even as workforce shortages continue?

Consider humanoid robots.

While it may be at least a few more years before advanced robots with more sophisticated artificial intelligence in real-time decision-making can be available— and practically used—on construction job sites, contractors would be wise to prepare for their use now, according to an October 2025 report by McKinsey and Co., “Humanoid robots in the construction industry: A future vision.”

“Although humanoids [robots] are not yet a fixture at construction sites, they represent a potentially transformative solution to the productivity crisis,” the report’s authors wrote. “The priority for business leaders should be to create a future workplace where humanoids are deployed to support workers, rather than replace them—creating a win for managers juggling multiple priorities, overburdened frontline staff, and customers who want projects completed more quickly.”

The initial aim will be to have humanoid robots perform either simpler, repetitive tasks or moderately complex tasks in highly structured zones. For example, they could pull wire, install sensors, sort construction waste or clean up daily debris on job sites—freeing up human construction workers for more difficult tasks that require a higher level of problem-solving.

“Humanoids are expected to demonstrate high commercial feasibility in large-scale infrastructure projects and in residential, commercial or institutional construction,” according to the report. “For instance, humanoids might be particularly valuable for projects related to high-rise or multistory buildings, which often involve repetitive tasks, or larger residential projects that involve the construction of many similar buildings.”

Further improvements are needed to enable humanoid robots to perform tasks that require more dexterity, such as operating small tools, climbing ladders and scaffolding, or walking on uneven terrain, according to the report. Developers are also working to enable “fenceless” operations so the robots can move freely across an entire job site, rather than being confined to specific areas.

Forward-looking contractors should take this time to access where humanoid robots could add the most value to their organization, the report advises. They should also invest in better sensors and connectivity at job sites and start collecting data to help train A.I. models within their future robot fleet from a variety of sources: videos of construction workers performing tasks, machines and teleoperation records. Training can be completed through virtual simulations and digital twins.

“With the industry’s long-standing labor and productivity challenges likely to intensify, construction leaders would do well to begin considering potential uses for humanoids now,” the authors wrote. “If humanoids do become a cost-effective solution, companies will want to move as fast as possible. Those who prepare now will be best positioned to seize the opportunities ahead.”