Construction-tech roundup: Automated site-update platforms and major automation deals

United States, Saudi Arabia, September 29, 2025

News Summary

Construction teams are accelerating adoption of automation to improve site updates, progress tracking and onsite tasks. This roundup highlights four leading platforms—CupixWorks, Reconstruct, Fieldwire and Buildertrend—that offer AI-driven 4D digital twins, reality mapping, real-time messaging and AI progress updates. It also covers three major industry deals: a large Metasys building automation contract, a NEOM–Samsung C&T joint venture for rebar robotics, and Okibo’s U.S. launch of the EG7 finishing robot. The report urges teams to match tool capabilities to project needs and prioritise transparent communication to boost safety, efficiency and decision-making.

Construction-tech roundup: Top automated site-update platforms and major moves in automation

Construction sites are moving fast and can be hard to follow by hand. The top news this cycle covers four automated site-update platforms that promise clearer, faster progress updates, a large federal building systems contract, a major investment in robotic rebar assembly, and the U.S. market launch of a next-generation finishing robot. These items matter now because automation tools can change how teams communicate, reduce risk, and keep projects on schedule.

Top platforms for automating site updates

Choosing the right software can make it easier to keep everyone informed. The article highlights four leading options that focus on automated, timely, and visual progress updates:

• CupixWorks by Cupix is an AI-powered as-built 4D digital twin platform. CupixWorks enables businesses to elevate their project management and includes tools for automating construction site updates, such as 4D documentation. It supports 360-degree cameras and includes construction progress tracking software.
• Reconstruct markets itself as a capital asset lifecycle management system. Reconstruct provides 24/7 virtual site visibility and helps property owners, builders and inspectors manage construction progress through reality mapping. The platform offers project snapshots and progress monitoring.
• Fieldwire is described as an all-in-one, as-built tool for tracking schedules and work performance in construction projects. Fieldwire provides insights that improve efficiency and coordination, enables real-time messaging, and supports digitised forms for faster submission.
• Buildertrend is construction management automation software. Buildertrend can simplify projects and sales and financial management processes. It is cloud-based and includes tools such as a client portal, offers AI-powered progress updates, and its cloud-based tools can reduce 80% of daily phone calls (claimed).

With numerous construction management programmes, it can be challenging to determine which are the best tools for automating construction site updates. The original piece states that there are three key factors to consider, though the factors themselves are not listed in the provided text. Still, a clear rule of thumb is to seek software that delivers timely, accurate updates and improves communication across teams. Practicing transparency and communication will lead to better project efficiency and business growth in the long run. The recommendation is to utilise the best tools for automating construction site progress updates to get the whole team on the same page.

Large building systems contract aims to expand automated controls

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded Johnson Controls a $377.9 million contract for the procurement, installation, maintenance and service of its Metasys building automation systems. The award notice says the contract is a three-year base contract. The contract is set to begin August 1. The contract includes a 24-month optional ordering period that could potentially bring the total value to $630 million, according to the award notice. Johnson Controls was the sole bidder for the contract.

The three-year contract will provide HVAC, utility monitoring and control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and other automated control systems to the U.S. Department of Defense, according to the award notice. The additional automated control systems named in the award include fire alarm safety, contamination detection, filtration, and response, electronic security, and electric, gas and water metering.

Last year, Johnson Controls released updates to its Metasys building control and automation system that bolstered the software with analytics tools. The Metasys updates also increased security features and simplified administration, Johnson Controls said. Johnson Controls said those updates can move facilities closer to autonomous operations. Metasys 14.0 features airside and waterside HVAC applications based on ASHRAE Guideline 36, High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems.

NEOM and Samsung C&T aim to scale rebar robotics

NEOM announced that NEOM–Samsung C&T JV aims to unlock an initial investment of more than SAR 1.3 billion in construction robotics. The agreement will accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge construction automation technology in Saudi Arabia. The JV aims to automate rebar cage assembly through advanced robotic welding and tying techniques and to enable the assembly of large, pre-manufactured reinforcement cages.

NEOM claims adoption of rebar assembly automation can reduce manual workforce hours by up to 80%, based on global average installation metrics for traditional construction methods. NEOM claims automation will improve safety and quality, reduce material waste, and can reduce cage assembly costs by up to 40%. The agreement will establish rebar cage assembly factories in NEOM and will create more than 2,000 highly skilled job opportunities locally, NEOM said. The agreement aims to meet extensive requirements for construction of THE LINE and other key developments in the region.

Okibo launches EG7 in U.S.; sets up U.S. base

Okibo is opening its U.S. headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey. The official launch of Okibo’s EG7 robot in the American market was reported on April 6, 2025, by David Edwards. Okibo established its U.S. base in 2024. Okibo’s fully autonomous, AI-guided painting and drywall finishing robots are already active on major American construction sites, the company said. Okibo’s robots have covered more than one million square feet in Europe, the company added.

The EG7 is described as a next-generation, battery-powered robot requiring zero site preparation, external references, or technical expertise to operate. The EG7 does not depend on external markers or BIM tools. The EG7 uses a patented AI-driven 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm for navigation and execution, can finish an average of 1,000 square feet per hour, and operates completely independently — no cords, pumps, or Wi‑Fi required. Company leaders say the robots reduce dust and improve air quality and eliminate common physical injuries on site.

Why this matters

Automation tools — from software that turns photos and scans into 4D as-built records to robots that weld, tie or finish surfaces — can make it easier for teams to share a single, accurate view of progress. That single view can reduce rework, speed approvals, lower on-site risk and help firms adapt to workforce changes as experienced personnel retire. Construction Digital connects the leading construction executives of the world’s largest brands and serves as a digital hub for connecting industry leaders. Construction Digital covers a wide range of services including media and advertising, events, research reports, demand generation, information, and data services. Construction Digital says it strives to provide timely and valuable insights into best practices, fostering innovation and collaboration within the construction community, and invites readers to join to “shape the future for generations to come.”

For teams evaluating options, the practical takeaway is clear: prioritise tools that automate timely, accurate updates and make it simple for everyone to see the same facts. That approach supports better decisions, safer sites, and more predictable schedules.

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Key features at a glance

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• Facilities Dive: Johnson Controls wins up to $630M Metasys contract
• Wikipedia: Johnson Controls
• Construction Briefing: Startup roundup — five construction tech firms raise over $100M
• Google Search: construction technology startups
• GlobeNewswire: Japan Building Automation System Forecast and Company Analysis Report 2025-2033
• Google Scholar: building automation systems Japan forecast
• NEOM: NEOM and Samsung C&T JV announcement
• Encyclopedia Britannica: NEOM
• Robotics & Automation News: Okibo brings painting robot to America
• Google News: Okibo EG7 painting robot

Author: Construction CA News

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