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The rapid advancement of field technology represents a new era for the construction industry, with leading solutions and companies focused on empowering the people who build our infrastructure with field tech such as drones, robotics, laser scanning, jobsite security and more.

This year, we are spotlighting the rise of drones, laser scanning, jobsite security and robotics tools that are reshaping safety, efficiency and precision on projects of every size. These technologies are redefining how contractors plan, monitor and execute their work, while protecting their people and strengthening the communities they serve. We hope this report sharpens that focus for ABC members and illustrates how field technology is becoming an essential part of the modern jobsite.

Matt Abeles, Vice President, Construction Technology and Innovation, Associated Builders and Contractors

patrick ABC helps members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities where we live and work. Today, the construction industry faces no shortage of challenges—from workforce shortages to economic uncertainty. Yet, even in the face of these headwinds, our industry remains resilient. The scope, complexity, quality and speed of the projects delivered by our members and the broader industry continue to grow and inspire.

Like every industry, technology plays a critical role in shaping the future of construction. The ABC Technology and Innovation Committee is committed to helping members identify, understand and adopt construction technologies that bring meaningful benefits to both individual companies, the industry at large and the people who use these structures to power America’s economic growth.

The ABC Field Tech Report highlights the tools and innovations shaping our project sites, showcasing the skill and ingenuity of our members and illustrating what becomes possible when technology meets the field. We hope you find inspiration and practical insights in this report to fuel your own technology and innovation journey.

Patrick Irwin, Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President, Leonard S. Fiore Inc., and 2024 Chair of the ABC Construction Technology and Innovation Committee

Executive Summary

By Brianne Stewart, Group Product Manager, Milwaukee Tool

As a member of the ABC Construction Technology and Innovation Committee, I have seen our industry steadily transform through technology. Over the past several years, ABC has published a series of tech reports that track this progress. Previous editions helped contractors understand how to adopt and evaluate emerging tools. The ABC AI Tech Report, published in 2024, then explored the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on construction workflows.

Each of these reports reflected a moment in our industry’s evolution. The early focus was on digital solutions in the office, such as estimating, scheduling and accounting. Now, the 2025 ABC Field Tech Report turns the spotlight to the jobsite, where field technology is driving the next stage of progress. The report highlights how contractors are applying real world solutions to close the gap between jobsite activity and office decision-making. For example, drone docks are being deployed to provide automated, real-time visibility of site progress. On one hillside stabilization project, daily drone flights tracked earthwork quantities and documented conditions, allowing contractors to resolve disputes quickly and protect profit margins. The ability to collect consistent data without slowing down crews illustrates how automation is reshaping field visibility.

Another example comes from Gaylor Electric’s Whip Cart, a mobile testing solution for data centers. By testing the full electrical path at the server-whip level, the Whip Cart reduces commissioning timelines from weeks to days while improving both safety and quality assurance. This innovation demonstrates how field tools can save time and deliver more reliable outcomes in highly complex environments.

Hensel Phelps’ innovation and corporate venture arm, Diverge, shows how contractors are blending proven, field-ready solutions with emerging technologies. Layout printers, autonomous marking robots and augmented reality visualization tools are already delivering results on active jobsites. At the same time, Diverge is incubating robotics startups that aim to introduce humanoid and teleoperated robots for high-risk or labor-intensive tasks. These efforts highlight how field innovation can improve productivity, enhance safety and prepare contractors for the future.

Leonard S. Fiore has demonstrated how BIM-based layout technologies are transforming precision in the field. By standardizing workflows with the Topcon LN-150 Layout Navigator, layout has shifted from a specialized survey task to an integrated field operation. This reduces rework, improves accuracy and provides as-built documentation that extends value long after project completion.

Windover Construction has advanced the use of digital twins to enhance both construction and long-term facility management. By integrating IoT sensors, BIM data and AI-driven analytics, Windover delivers a dynamic model of a building that supports predictive maintenance, energy efficiency and improved space utilization. At Endicott College, these digital twins have been applied across multiple facilities, creating a smarter and more sustainable campus.

The 2025 ABC Field Tech Report also includes research from Dodge Construction Network that underscores the importance of integrated workflows. Dodge found that contractors lose nearly 6% of profit margins due to inefficiencies caused by poor reporting between the field and the office. However, nearly two-thirds of contractors have improved their field data capabilities in recent years, and more than 80% now rely on cloud-based solutions to manage progress, productivity, safety and equipment data. This shift shows that the industry is recognizing the value of connected systems.

Previous ABC tech reports prepared us to evaluate and adopt new solutions. The 2025 ABC Field Tech Report builds on that foundation by showing how field technology can close the gap between the office and the jobsite. The companies that invest in connected systems will be positioned to deliver safer projects, stronger margins and long-term competitiveness.