Closing the Workforce Gap with Cutting-Edge Equipment Innovations
Tackling the Construction Labor Shortage with Technology
Whether due to a lack of skilled training programs, an aging workforce, or a widening skills gap among available candidates, the labor shortage continues to challenge the construction industry. Companies struggle to take on new projects or complete existing ones on time, slowing growth and increasing costs.
According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 91% of construction firms report difficulty finding workers, leading to rising expenses and project delays. Meanwhile, Associated Builders and Contractors estimate that the industry will need an additional 501,000 workers—beyond typical hiring levels in 2024—to meet demand.
To explore solutions, Equipment Today spoke with experts from Caterpillar, Procore, Built Robotics, and FORT Robotics to understand how remote operation and automation technologies are helping to alleviate workforce shortages.
The Strain on the Industry
Industry leaders agree—the labor shortage is having widespread negative effects. Many companies are resorting to increasing wages or recruiting workers from outside their regions, both of which drive up costs that ultimately get passed on to customers.
In some cases, project timelines are being pushed back significantly, with delays ranging from several months to multiple years, further exacerbating demand in an already overburdened market.
“New workers entering the field today have the leverage,” said Lauren Lee, communications lead and designer at Built Robotics. “They expect safer job conditions, competitive pay, and a better work-life balance. This is accelerating the adoption of technology to reshape how projects are completed.”
Without innovation, the mounting pressure on crews to keep up increases the likelihood of mistakes, accidents, and costly rework—none of which benefits businesses.
“To maintain productivity with the same workforce and equipment,” said Alan Pumklin, product specialist at Caterpillar, “companies need to work smarter and more efficiently. That’s where technology plays a critical role.”
Caterpillar has long been at the forefront of automation in construction, recently introducing its Cat Command station, which allows operators to control multiple machines remotely—switching seamlessly between trenching, backfilling with a dozer, and compacting, all from a single workstation.
A Tech-Driven Future
As automation and smart technologies become more common in the industry, they could help make construction careers more attractive to younger generations. By enhancing efficiency, improving safety, and reducing physical strain, these innovations are not only easing labor shortages but also shaping the future of construction work.
Changing the Perception of Construction and Embracing Technology
“There’s a common misconception that construction is just a last-resort job—dirty, difficult, and undesirable. That couldn’t be further from reality,” says Kris Lengieza, Vice President and Global Tech Evangelist at Procore. “To change this narrative, the industry must invest in equipping the next generation with the right skills, tools, and knowledge. Technology will be a key driver in shaping the future of construction and attracting new talent.”
The Role of Technology in Modern Construction
The construction industry has undergone a remarkable technological transformation. With innovations ranging from cloud computing and smart devices to advanced satellite systems, equipment has become more intelligent, and workers more efficient.
Government infrastructure projects are increasingly integrating automation, encouraging companies to adopt technologies that enhance safety, improve data collection, and streamline heavy equipment operation. This shift is reshaping how projects are bid, executed, and managed.
“We’re seeing breakthroughs in remote operation, task automation, and tele-operation,” explains Doug Riffle, Vice President of Business Development at FORT Robotics. “These innovations allow skilled workers to focus on tasks that require human expertise while automation handles repetitive work. One exciting aspect of our remote-control systems is their intuitive design, inspired by video game controllers. This makes them easy to learn and more accessible for younger operators.”
Smarter Solutions for the Jobsite and Beyond
Advancements in construction technology extend beyond the field, improving efficiency in project management and administration.
“Modern software solutions help companies oversee billing, invoicing, and jobsite progress in real time,” says Lengieza. “By bridging the gap between field operations and business decisions, firms can better control costs, meet deadlines, and maximize efficiency. This ultimately allows companies to accomplish more with fewer resources.”
The most noticeable impact is happening on the jobsite, where smart machines enable even inexperienced operators to achieve high-level precision. Thanks to cutting-edge machine control systems, construction equipment can now read digital plans and execute tasks with extreme accuracy—eliminating the need for workers to rely solely on paper schematics or years of hands-on training.
With automated features like sensors, digital monitors, and AI-driven controls, today’s construction machinery ensures that operators—regardless of experience—can consistently produce professional-grade results. This technology-driven approach is not just bridging the labor gap but also redefining the industry’s potential.
Revolutionizing Operations with Remote and Automated Technology
With remote operation capabilities, heavy equipment operators no longer need to be physically inside the cab to deliver precise and efficient results. From a centralized command station, an operator can seamlessly control a machine—whether guiding a bucket through a mound of earth or executing a perfectly measured fill. This technology maximizes efficiency, conserves materials, and reduces physical strain on workers.
The Benefits of Automation and Remote Control
While automation and remote operation are still evolving, their value is already evident in areas such as safety, training, and worker satisfaction. These innovations are transforming workflows across industries by enhancing efficiency and reducing labor demands.
Built Robotics, for example, has introduced the RPD 35, a fully autonomous robotic pile driver capable of performing four tasks with a single unit. A team of two can oversee multiple robots as they set GPS markers, position piles, drive them into place, and log the data—work that would traditionally require 10 to 15 crew members.
Similarly, FORT Robotics partnered with a Georgia-based landscaping company to retrofit standard zero-turn mowers with autonomous capabilities. This upgrade not only reduced the physical demands on workers but also cut costs, increased productivity, and allowed crews to focus on higher-value tasks instead of repetitive manual labor.
New and creative applications continue to emerge as companies explore the full potential of these technologies. Augmented and virtual reality tools now allow operators to visualize site plans superimposed over raw land, guiding excavation and site preparation with unprecedented precision. AI-powered onboard systems can also act as virtual trainers, helping new employees quickly learn machine operations without requiring dedicated instructors.
Some industries are even deploying automation at scale. “One of our clients in the shipping industry integrated automated cranes to offload cargo from ships midstream,” explains Alan Pumklin of Caterpillar. “Instead of having workers physically move containers on board or at the dock, a single operator in a Cat Command station now remotely manages four robotic cranes at once. A 4-to-1 efficiency ratio is hard to beat.”
Adopting Automation: A Practical Approach
As labor shortages persist, more businesses are turning to remote operation and automation technology to maintain productivity. Fortunately, getting started is more accessible than ever. Retrofit kits and software upgrades allow companies to integrate automation into existing equipment, offering a flexible and cost-effective approach to modernization.
“The key is to identify what your workforce actually needs,” advises Kris Lengieza of Procore. “Technology isn’t a cure-all. Before investing, assess the impact on efficiency and return on investment. If you can reduce labor, time, or expenses by 50%, you’re likely on the right track.”
Equally important is addressing the concerns of current employees. Educating workers about the benefits of automation and reassuring them that these tools are meant to enhance—not replace—their roles will encourage smoother adoption. Implementing change management strategies can further improve workforce buy-in and accelerate the transition.
As Pumklin puts it, “Imagine recovering from an injury but still being able to operate a machine remotely from home. That’s a paycheck you wouldn’t have to miss. It’s not just about productivity—it’s about improving quality of life.”
