McLaren Construction has entered into a partnership with FieldAI, an artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics company, to deploy autonomous robots across its construction sites in the UK.
Under the agreement, FieldAI will supply quadruped robots. Initially, the robots will focus on capturing 360-degree imagery and point-cloud data, as well as verifying site progress, conducting safety compliance patrols, analysing model-to-site deviations, and supporting quality assurance.
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The robots are expected to conduct regular automated scans to document visual and spatial aspects of ongoing work. This process will create a detailed record as construction progresses.
The partnership also includes AI-powered deviation analysis that compares current on-site data with the original design models.
McLaren states that this will reduce the time taken to detect quality issues, help ensure installations are correct at the point of delivery, and support tolerance management and reduction in the need for rework.
FieldAI’s software enables robots to operate without prior maps, supporting infrastructure, or pre-planned routes, allowing quicker deployment and better adaptation to changing site conditions.
The technology at the core of this programme is described as Field Foundation Models, which combine data-driven AI with physics-based reasoning and uncertainty quantification. This is designed to enable robots of various types to function in complex and unstructured environments.
The partnership marks FieldAI’s first deployment in the UK and expands on its existing operations across Asia, Europe and North America.
The two companies will seek to ensure compliance with UK regulatory and data security standards as they expand their use of robotics.
McLaren Construction group pre-construction director Adam Nicholson said: “The significance of this deployment for the construction industry is that we can move beyond machines that are remote controlled or pre-programmed for a limited range of tasks and routes.
“Instead, we now have autonomous robots navigating stairs, doors and other obstacles and constantly working with our human teams to support productivity, safety and quality.”
FieldAI sales VP Patrick Purwin said: “One of the impactful features of this partnership is McLaren’s willingness to expand use cases as general-purpose robots grow more capable.
“The work starts with monitoring and modelling missions and expands across the full spectrum of physical work, including site logistics, dexterous manipulation and multi-robot coordination.”
McLaren’s move forms part of a digital transformation strategy launched in 2022.
The company has received several industry awards citing its technology teams and leadership, recognising its efforts in digital construction initiatives.
In May, BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts named McLaren Construction as the principal contractor for the redevelopment of the former BBC Elstree Centre, recently renamed Fairbanks Studios.
