There are always caveats. Some fear that automation will take jobs away from humans. But the industry is already facing a labor shortage and employment demand contin - ues to grow, with a shortfall of 430,000 jobs in 2021. 4 Automation could help ease that number, especially with low-skilled jobs that are hard to fill. The key is to combine human and robot talents, a concept known as collaborative robot - ics. For example, a robot still requires a human to manage its resources and program its tasks, even with BIM helping to streamline the process. Collaborative robotics can help extend the productivity of older workers who have huge experience but are strug - gling with the more physical aspects of construction. It can also help contractors es - pecially those competing for high-quality talent attract digital-native candidates that otherwise wouldnt consider working in construction. And as it stands, humans are still best suited for work that requires delicate, dexterous handling and improvised decision-making. Leave the tedious jobs that demand extraordinary speed, strength and accuracy to the robots. Sounds easy, right? 80 % of construction companies say they cant find the workers they need 5 30 % fewer young people working in construction from 2005-2016 6 45 % of construction professionals say they spend too much time on non-optimal activities 7 49 % of all construction tasks can potentially be automated 8 Specifically, automated and semi-automated robots can: allow humans to reallocate their time to more satisfying, high-value tasks perform strenuous or dangerous tasks that would otherwise threaten the health and safety of humans perform tasks in harsh conditions unsafe for humans reduce insurance costs by mitigating human risk work overnight to slash timelines help avoid rework due to human error Though the construction indus - try is typically a slow adopter of new technologies, automated and semi-automated robots are already in use around the world. Examples include: Boston Dynamics Spot, a mobile robot that easily navigates jobsite terrain to perform inspection tasks and collect data. Dusty Robotics FieldPrinter, which uses BIM data to print full-size floorplans straight onto the building deck. Canvas, an automated drywall finishing machine that has been used at San Francisco International Airport and Chase Arena. Hilti Jaibot, a semi-automat - ed cordless drilling machine for MEP and interior finishing installation work, especially overhead tasks, that can work for eight hours on a single battery charge. JOBSITE AUTOMATION 4