What Happens When Construction Goes Autonomous?
The future of autonomous construction is closer than it looks. AI, automation, machine control and robotics are rapidly moving from emerging concepts to technologies with the potential to reshape how construction projects are delivered. The challenge now is turning that potential into practical, scalable solutions that can operate safely and effectively in the field
Kurt Brissett, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Built, brings a unique perspective to that shift, with experience spanning construction, transport infrastructure and the Australian Defence sector.
Kurt will join industry leaders from GHD, PRENTEN.AI and BildGroup at the Construction Technology Leaders Summit for:
Preparing for More AI Automation, Machine Control and Autonomous Delivery in the Field
Ahead of the summit, we asked Kurt three questions about the future of construction technology, what is changing on site and what comes next.
How will AI and automation change the way construction teams deliver projects?
KURT BRISSETT:
AI and automation will fundamentally shift construction from a reactive industry to a predictive and intelligence led one. At Built, we’ve made significant investments in the data foundations, digital platforms and AI enabled workflows needed to support that transition, with a focus on embedding technology into the way projects are planned, managed, and delivered.
Rather than spending valuable time searching for information, manually updating reports or coordinating disconnected systems, project teams will increasingly be supported by AI agents that automate routine tasks, identify risks earlier and provide decision support in real time. The biggest change won’t be replacing people but enabling them to focus on higher value work. Project teams will spend less time managing information and more time solving problems, innovating, and driving better project outcomes.
At Built, we also see a significant opportunity to connect information and decision making across the broader project ecosystem, bringing together clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers through a common digital environment. We see AI becoming embedded across the entire project lifecycle, creating a connected flow of information from opportunity and design through to delivery and operations, helping teams make better decisions faster and with greater certainty.
Are construction companies ready for the next generation of digital operating systems?
KURT BRISSETT:
Many organisations have invested heavily in technology, but too often those investments remain isolated solutions that create new silos rather than integrated workflows. The next generation of construction operating systems will connect data, people, processes and AI across the entire asset lifecycle.
Success will come from creating a single source of truth where project intelligence is captured once and used many times, enabling seamless collaboration between clients, consultants, subcontractors, and delivery teams.
At Built, our focus is moving beyond individual applications towards a connected digital ecosystem, supported by substantial investment in common data environments, lifecycle platforms, AI tools and automation capabilities. Our aim is to connect information, workflows and decision making across the project lifecycle, creating a more integrated and intelligent delivery model.
As the centre of the project ecosystem, we also see a significant opportunity to help connect the supply chain through shared data and digital workflows, improving productivity, collaboration and certainty for all project participants. The real opportunity lies not simply in digitising existing processes, but in reimagining how construction businesses operate. The organisations that create connected, AI enabled enterprises will be best positioned to drive productivity, improve decision making and unlock value across the supply chain.
What does it take to successfully commercialise automation and robotics in construction?
KURT BRISSETT:
The technology itself is rarely the hardest part. The challenge is ensuring automation solves a meaningful business problem and delivers measurable value at scale. Too many organisations start with the technology rather than the outcome. The most successful approach is to focus on productivity, safety, quality or commercial performance first, then identify where automation can deliver the greatest value.
At Built, our approach is to view automation and robotics as part of a broader digital transformation strategy rather than standalone technology initiatives. We’ve made substantial investments in the data foundations, digital platforms, AI tools and automation capabilities needed to support that shift, with a focus on embedding these technologies into the way projects are planned, procured, and delivered.
We’ve also invested in industrialised construction and offsite manufacturing, where digital design, automation and advanced manufacturing techniques can improve productivity, quality, and delivery certainty. By connecting digital workflows from design through to fabrication and installation, we see significant opportunities to create a more predictable, scalable, and efficient delivery model.
Commercialisation requires strong governance, clear ownership, repeatable processes, and investment in change management alongside technology. Equally important is creating confidence among frontline teams by demonstrating how automation removes low value work, improves decision making and supports better project outcomes. We also see a significant opportunity to accelerate adoption by connecting clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers through shared data and digital workflows. The organisations that succeed will be those that treat automation as a business transformation opportunity, embedding it into core delivery processes and using it to drive productivity, improve certainty and unlock value across the supply chain.
Join Kurt Brissett at the Construction Technology Leaders Summit 2026 as he explores the future of autonomous construction. View the brochure for his session and the full two day agenda.
