Dubai-based ALEC unveils ‘Robotics Strategy’

To automate 5% of its construction work by 2030

Dubai-based ALEC Engineering & Contracting (ALEC) has launched its ‘Robotics Strategy’ initiative, which aims to automate 5% of its construction operations in the UAE by 2030.

An announcement to this effect was made at ALEC’s annual Innovation Day in Dubai, where 14 leading robotics companies and institutions from across the globe showcased robotics’ potential to automate core construction processes.

Among the exhibitors were Hilti, which demonstrated its Jaibot—an advanced semi-automated robot designed for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and interior finishing tasks, and NYU Abu Dhabi, which explores AI and robotics for autonomous data acquisition in the construction industry. Another standout was Construction Robotics, whose Mule system impressed with its lift-assist capabilities. It is designed to ease the handling and placement of heavy materials on construction sites.

Meanwhile, Angelswing showcased a cutting-edge drone-based digital twin platform that promises to drive greater operational efficiency across every stage of a construction project, from initial planning to completion.

The newly unveiled Robotics Strategy is a key pillar of ALEC’s broader Innovation Agenda, underscoring the company’s ambition to integrate cutting-edge technological solutions across its construction projects. At the same time, it is also about catalysing the adoption of these technologies in the Arabian Gulf region, thereby setting a benchmark for the entire sector.

At the event, ALEC’s CEO, Barry Lewis, articulated the company’s overarching vision. “The construction industry is a major employer, and as a company that prides itself on innovation, ALEC fully recognises the pivotal role robotics will play in shaping the future of this sector,” he noted.

“This strategy aligns closely with [UAE] government initiatives to modernise the industry. A broad shift towards automation will not only address pressing challenges like labour shortages and sustainability. Still, it will also refine our ability to meet the increasingly complex demands of project delivery.”

Robotics Brief

This new initiative builds on the foundation laid by ALEC’s Robotics Brief, launched in 2017. The brief has already seen the company trial and deploy nine cutting-edge robotics solutions in live construction environments in the UAE.

Adhering to the newly announced initiative, ALEC will deepen its collaboration with various stakeholders in the UAE—from government bodies and international universities to innovative robotics firms and start-ups—evaluating up to 20 robotics-related projects each year.

In its initial phase, the Robotics Strategy will focus on harnessing already established robotic technologies while nurturing nascent innovations with significant promise. ALEC has identified several key technology providers and highlighted some of their groundbreaking work at the Innovation Day event.

Imad Itani, ALEC’s Head of Innovation, said: “The confluence of market evolution, environmental awareness, and rapid technological progress offers the construction industry a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“At ALEC, we are leading this transformation, embedding innovation into the very fabric of our operations. Through meticulously crafted frameworks and clear milestones, we are not just adopting new technologies but shaping their future and setting a new standard for the industry. Our success will be a benchmark for others, proving the real-world feasibility of robotics and automation in construction.”

ALEC’s Robotics Strategy represents more than just an investment in technology; it is a clarion call for a more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced construction industry. By positioning itself at the forefront of this change, ALEC aims to meet the challenges of the modern construction landscape and redefine what is possible, setting the stage for a future where automation and robotics are integral to the building process.

As the company moves forward, its partnerships with global leaders and its relentless focus on innovation will be pivotal in ensuring that the promise of automation becomes a reality, not just for ALEC but for the wider construction sector. The next decade, it seems, will be one of rapid transformation, with ALEC leading the charge into a new era of intelligent, efficient, and sustainable construction.

Hero image: Imad Itani, ALEC’s Head of Innovation, addresses attendees at the company’s annual Innovation Day in Dubai earlier this month. Credit: ALEC

Last Updated on 2 months by Dan Ngiam