Pushing Boundaries with Robotics in Construction

Robots on construction sites may have once sounded like science fiction, but they’re here, and they’re working alongside our teams today. From drones that map entire jobsites in minutes to robots that capture on-the-ground conditions or interior progress, robotics are fundamentally changing how we track, measure, and manage complex builds. The goal? Smarter decisions, safer jobsites, and better results.

At HITT, we’re building a new headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, but it’s far from the average base building project. The ground-up Class A office building project will serve as a test for these technologies in real-world conditions, helping shape the future of how we build. One way is by integrating robotics into our daily field operations, using cutting-edge technology to support and supplement the work of our superintendents and project teams.

This project marks the first HITT jobsite where both aerial and ground robots are being used simultaneously and in coordination to capture data from all areas of the site. Aerial drones collect exterior views, while Spot, the four-legged ground robot, navigates the jobsite from the ground and, eventually, in interior spaces. What sets this apart from previous robotics efforts is how we’re tying these technologies together into a single, highly accurate digital platform that provides a comprehensive, real-time view of progress.

“This is the first HITT jobsite where we’re using both aerial and ground robots on the same site,” said Research & Development Manager and Robotics Lead Dr. Viktor Orekhov. “Aerial robots like drones are great for capturing exterior data, while ground robots like Spot are great for capturing interior data. Having both types of data in the same platform allows us to track quality and progress more effectively—we know what’s happening outside and inside to have a complete understanding of the full scope of the project.”

You can see how this system works in action in the video above, where Orekhov explains how robotic data is captured, aligned, and used to drive decision-making on-site.

Our team established a series of surveyed ground control points across the jobsite to make this possible. These serve as precise reference markers that allow data captured from week to week—by drone or ground robot—to remain aligned to the same coordinate system. This high level of accuracy is critical to tracking progress over time and using that data to make real-time decisions.

One way we’ve applied this is during the excavation phase. By comparing drone captures taken over time, we can generate detailed 3D models of the site using a process called photogrammetry. These models show exactly where material has been removed or added and can be viewed in both 2D and 3D. In the video, Orekhov walks through this analysis, showing how it helps us calculate how much earth is left to move and whether we’re staying on schedule.

This integrated approach turns robotic data into a tool for everyday jobsite operations. We’re able to generate elevation contours, create field notes and reports, and export data for use in other project management platforms. It’s not just tech for tech’s sake—it’s solving real-world problems for our on-site teams.

The combination of ground and aerial robotics will become even more valuable as the project goes vertical. Drones will continue to capture exterior conditions, while Spot will walk interior paths to document framing, MEP rough-ins, and more. All of this data will be aligned in the same system, giving us a unified view of the full building inside and out.

We’re excited about the possibilities—not just for this project, but for the future of construction. By piloting these innovations at our new headquarters, we’re establishing best practices that can scale to jobsites across the country. It’s one more way HITT is leading the charge in construction technology and delivering better outcomes for our clients, trade partners, and team members.

Learn more about how HITT is igniting progress here.