McLaren will deploy autonomous quadruped robots across its construction sites, initially using the technology to capture 360-degree site imagery, generate real-time project data and support safety inspections and quality assurance activities.
The robots will carry out regular automated site scans, creating a detailed visual and spatial record of construction progress as work is completed throughout the project lifecycle.
AI-powered analysis will compare the captured site data against digital design models, enabling project teams to identify quality issues much earlier and significantly reduce the time between installation and defect detection.
FieldAI’s Field Foundation Models combine data-driven artificial intelligence with physics-based reasoning and uncertainty quantification, allowing autonomous robots to operate safely and effectively in complex and constantly changing construction environments.
One universal “brain” enables robots of all shapes and sizes to perform a widening range of tasks in unstructured environments they have never seen before. Because the software does not depend on prior maps, supporting infrastructure or pre-planned routes, the robots can be deployed quickly and adapt as a site changes.
McLaren Construction’s group pre-construction director, Adam Nicholson, said: “The significance of this deployment for the construction industry is that we can move beyond machines that are remote controlled or pre-programmed for a limited range of tasks and routes.
“Instead, we now have autonomous robots navigating stairs, doors and other obstacles and constantly working with our human teams to support productivity, safety and quality.”
Patrick Purwin, VP of Sales at FieldAI, added: “One of the impactful features of this partnership is McLaren’s willingness to expand use cases as general-purpose robots grow more capable.
“The work starts with monitoring and modelling missions and expands across the full spectrum of physical work, including site logistics, dexterous manipulation and multi-robot coordination.”
The deployment forms a key milestone in McLaren’s five-year digital transformation strategy, launched in 2022, as the contractor continues to adopt advanced technologies to improve project delivery, safety and operational efficiency.
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