Mihir Somalwar, Robotics and Innovation Lead, Diverge, Hensel Phelps

In today’s rapidly evolving construction landscape, field technologies play a critical role in how projects are delivered safely, efficiently and profitably. Diverge, the innovation and corporate venture arm of Hensel Phelps, is at the forefront of this movement. With a mission to support field staff by equipping them with industry-leading hardware solutions, Diverge is bridging the gap between cutting-edge startups and boots-on-the-ground needs.

At the heart of Diverge’s approach is a dual commitment: deploy proven technologies at scale, while simultaneously serving as an incubator for promising new solutions. This strategy ensures that the jobsite remains a place of continual advancement, where practical results and forward-thinking experimentation coexist.

On many Hensel Phelps projects, field staff are already benefiting from tangible tools that have demonstrated value. Technologies like the HP SitePrint layout printer, Civ Robotics’ autonomous outdoor marking robot and Trimble SiteVision’s augmented reality visualization system are now actively used in the field. Layout robotics have helped streamline the layout process on large-scale projects, particularly in data centers, by reducing the time and labor traditionally associated with manual layout. Similarly, Trimble SiteVision allows superintendents and field engineers to visualize BIM models overlaid on real-world conditions, improving accuracy during quality checks and enhancing communication with owners.

These solutions are not theoretical. They are deployed on live jobsites, improving productivity and quality assurance while reducing risk. The key to their success lies in being both user- friendly and robust enough to withstand field conditions.

While proven tools are essential, Diverge also recognizes the importance of supporting companies that have recently launched new products and are looking to partner with large, innovation- forward firms. These partnerships help introduce their solutions to real jobsites, provide critical feedback from field teams and offer opportunities for testing in realistic environments.

At Diverge’s Innovation Center in Phoenix, Diverge is engaging with startups such as Under Control Robotics, developers of humanoid robots intended for construction task automation; Hardhat Robotics, developers of teleoperated mobile robot for circuit energizations; Cyphra Autonomy, a startup building autonomous material handling robots; Ken Robotech, which recently introduced the automated rebar tying robot Tomorobo to the U.S. market; and VigilanteX, which integrates SPOT AI to provide real-time video analytics, intrusion detection and PPE compliance monitoring, among others.

 

“Arc flash is one of the most dangerous hazards for electrical workers,” said Henning Roedel, CEO of Hardhat Robotics, which is developing teleoperated mobile robots that allow workers to perform high risk tasks from a safe distance, while also learning from observed movements to enhance both safety and efficiency. “By partnering with Diverge and Hensel Phelps, we’re not only getting access to jobsite environments, but also the feedback and exposure we need to bring real safety innovation to the field,” said Roedel.

Companies like Cyphra, which recently graduated from incubator programs, are actively seeking partnerships with large, innovation-forward general contractors to test their platforms in live jobsite-like environments, such as the mockups and outdoor labs at the Innovation Center that simulate real project conditions. Diverge is helping them explore how their technology could support the “jobsite of the future” by addressing labor constraints and improving material logistics.

At the same time, Diverge works closely with startups to help them understand what it takes for their robots to be successfully deployed on site, while also preparing jobsites to accommodate such innovations. For instance, future jobsites may include dedicated pathways or access zones that allow autonomous material handling robots to safely transport materials from place to place. Diverge is testing these concepts and running simulations at the Innovation Center to bridge the gap between robotics development and jobsite readiness.

With Under Control Robotics, the teams are jointly designing use cases and building a dedicated testing bay at the Innovation Center. “With Diverge, we can test our product in a real-world construction environment,” said Wei Ding, CEO of UCR. “Their support gives us a safe, focused space to explore what humanoid robots can do and how they can integrate into field workflows.”

What sets Diverge apart is its incubator-like model. Instead of simply acting as a customer, Diverge builds collaborative relationships with innovators. Technologies are not just evaluated for novelty they are measured against jobsite impact, worker safety, ROI and operational integration. 

“We see Diverge not just as a technology scout, but as a real partner in development,” said Thai Nguyen, director of innovation at Diverge. “Our role is to bring together people, processes and partnerships that enable innovation to take root. It’s not just about testing new tools—it’s about collaboration, building trust and helping our teams and partners evolve together.” 

This approach has led to the creation of a robust feedback loop: Diverge brings startups into the field, collects hands-on insights and feeds them back to the development teams. It’s a process that accelerates product maturity while ensuring alignment with contractor needs.

The next frontier of construction technology isn’t just digital it’s tangible. Field-ready hardware solutions, from layout robots and autonomous material handlers to smart locks and teleoperation platforms, are poised to transform how projects are executed. Diverge is ensuring that these tools don’t just stay in research and development labs, but find their way into the hands of people who build.

By combining practical deployment with visionary support for emerging tech, Diverge is creating a future where innovation is not just a buzzword, but a daily reality on the jobsite.