On March 12, the ConTech session “Innovation in robotics applied to construction” organized by the Barcelona ConTecH Hub at ITeC was held to unveil the latest innovations in the field of robotics applied to construction. Montse Duran, General Coordinator of the Barcelona ConTech Hub, was in charge of moderating the event which featured a round table formed by 3 prominent experts in the field of robotics and automation in the Construction sector:

• Jaume Homs , Head of Sales and Marketing at HP Construction Services .
• José Llombart , Advisor in industrial process automation and robotics at ABB
• Ricardo Mayor Luque , Architect -Researcher/Fabrication Expert at Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)

While it is true that all forecasts, according to the Contech Investor Survey 2025 by Zacua Ventures , indicate that robotics technology will be the third area of ​​greatest investment worldwide in construction by 2025 (see detailed news at this link ), its application on site presents significant challenges in a traditionally conservative sector. During the event, experts gave us their current vision of the application of robotics in Spain and worldwide, clearly showing different degrees of robotization in construction according to countries, given their socioeconomic circumstances and the implementation of on-site and off-site construction.

The specialists offered a current overview of robotics in construction, both in the Spanish and international contexts. It was evident that robotization varies significantly between countries, influenced by their socioeconomic circumstances and the adoption of on-site and off-site construction methods. The speakers illustrated their presentations with specific examples of robotic applications, from 3D printing and automated re-staking on construction sites, to the production of 2D and 3D pieces, as well as complex techniques that, until now, had been the heritage of craftsmanship, such as the emblematic “trencadís” by Antonio Gaudí or the glazing of ceramics.

However, despite the significant advances that robotics promises in terms of productivity and efficiency, concerns arose about its future in the construction sector. Questions such as whether robots will eventually replace humans in this sector or whether their success will be limited to off-site construction were addressed by experts, who offered thought-provoking answers and reflections.

The event culminated with a networking café, where attendees had the opportunity to exchange ideas and forge valuable connections, suggesting that, although robotics advances by leaps and bounds, human dialogue remains essential in building the future. If you want to relive this enriching session, you can access the full video through the following link .