Robotics and AI set to drive change in Canadian construction

Addressing housing and labour shortages is plaguing many countries but the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into Canada’s construction sector is introducing new efficiencies and approaches to address these challenges. Companies like Promise Robotics are demonstrating how AI-driven robotic arms can assemble key components of homes, offering potential solutions to streamline production and reduce construction timelines. (main pic: Promise Robotics: Install it in your factory and AI will do the work.)

Promise Robotics, based in Edmonton, operates a facility where robotic arms typically used in automotive manufacturing are repurposed to assemble walls, floors, and roofs. These robots use AI to interpret blueprints and independently determine tasks such as cutting, nailing, and drilling. The system adapts to different requirements, enabling faster and more consistent construction of housing components.

“Promise Robotics is an AI company bringing the most intelligent, flexible and compact industrial robotic systems to construction. Our ready-to-deploy industrial production systems are powered by a proprietary cloud-based software platform that manages the entire production lifecycle, from production planning to factory floor operations, scheduling, and logistics. Promise Robotics manages the entire automation lifecycle as-a-service to free partners to focus on growing their homebuilding business.”

Canada’s construction industry has historically been slower than other sectors to adopt advanced technologies. While high-tech materials and smart home systems are increasingly common, the fundamental processes of building often rely on manual labour. Reports identify a productivity gap in the global construction industry, with Canada falling behind in meeting its housing targets. The need for technological solutions is further amplified by labour shortages that are expected to continue.

Promise Robotics has focused on creating adaptable systems using off-the-shelf robotic arms. By developing proprietary AI, the company has enabled these robots to perform a range of tasks, from assembling structural components to preparing them for on-site installation. The system’s portability is one of its key advantages, allowing it to operate in smaller facilities closer to development sites, reducing transportation costs and setup times.

Watch Promise Robotics founder Ramtin Attar’s explanation.

The company estimates that its approach can cut construction timelines in half. Pre-assembled walls, floors, and roofs are transported to the building site, where they are installed within a day. Builders across Canada are exploring this technology, which promises to increase productivity without requiring large-scale investments in permanent manufacturing facilities.

Research initiatives at institutions such as the University of British Columbia are also exploring further applications of robotics in construction. Projects include retrofitting conventional construction equipment, such as cranes and loaders, with smart technologies to automate material handling. These developments could enhance efficiency on construction sites in the near future.

While these technologies show promise, broader changes in housing policies and regulations are considered essential to address Canada’s housing challenges fully. Advances in robotics and AI provide opportunities for the construction industry to modernise and meet growing demands more effectively, but their adoption requires supportive government frameworks to maximise their usefulness.

See: Promise Robotics