United States, Saudi Arabia, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Construction teams are accelerating adoption of automation to improve site updates, progress tracking and onsite tasks. This roundup highlights four leading platforms—CupixWorks, Reconstruct, Fieldwire and Buildertrend—that offer AI-driven 4D digital twins, reality mapping, real-time messaging and AI progress updates. It also covers three major industry deals: a large Metasys building automation contract, a NEOM–Samsung C&T joint venture for rebar robotics, and Okibo’s U.S. launch of the EG7 finishing robot. The report urges teams to match tool capabilities to project needs and prioritise transparent communication to boost safety, efficiency and decision-making.
Construction-tech roundup: top automated site-update platforms, major contracts and robotics moves reshape job sites
Construction teams and owners are moving quickly toward automation to keep pace with work that progresses rapidly and in complex ways that can be difficult to track manually. Stakeholders now rely on software and robots to provide timely and accurate updates so everyone stays on the same page. This report highlights four leading platforms for automating construction site updates, a major nationwide building systems contract, a large-scale robotics joint venture in Saudi Arabia, and a new advanced finishing robot launched in the U.S.
Top automated site-update platforms
Choosing automation tools can be a game-changer for communication and project alignment. With numerous construction management programmes on the market, it can be challenging to determine which are the best tools for automating construction site updates. This roundup identifies four strong options that focus on as-built visibility, progress tracking and real-time coordination.
CupixWorks
CupixWorks by Cupix is an AI-powered as-built 4D digital twin platform. CupixWorks enables businesses to elevate their project management and includes tools for automating construction site updates, such as 4D documentation. The platform supports 360-degree cameras and includes construction progress tracking software to help teams produce and store accurate site records and timelines.
Reconstruct
Reconstruct markets itself as a capital asset lifecycle management system and offers 24/7 virtual site visibility. It helps property owners, builders and inspectors manage construction progress through reality mapping. Reconstruct provides project snapshots and progress monitoring so users can check current conditions without waiting for site visits.
Fieldwire
Fieldwire is described as an all-in-one, as-built tool for tracking schedules and work performance on construction projects. Fieldwire provides insights that improve efficiency and coordination, enables real-time messaging and supports digitised forms for faster submission, all aimed at reducing delays and boosting field-office alignment.
Buildertrend
Buildertrend is construction management automation software built as a cloud-based suite. It can simplify projects and sales and financial management processes and includes tools such as a client portal. Buildertrend offers AI-powered progress updates and claims its cloud-based tools can reduce 80% of daily phone calls.
The list above is not exhaustive. The original piece states “Here are three key factors to consider” when selecting software. It is crucial to practice transparency and communication to help lead to project efficiency and business growth in the long run. The recommendation is to utilise the best tools for automating construction site progress updates to get the whole team on the same page.
Major U.S. building systems contract
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded Johnson Controls a $377.9 million contract for the procurement, installation, maintenance and service of its Metasys building automation systems. The award notice says the contract is a three-year base contract. The contract is set to begin August 1. The contract includes a 24-month optional ordering period that could potentially bring the total value to $630 million, according to the award notice. Johnson Controls was the sole bidder for the contract.
The three-year contract will provide HVAC, utility monitoring and control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and other automated control systems to the U.S. Department of Defense, according to the award notice. The additional automated control systems named in the award include fire alarm safety, contamination detection, filtration, and response, electronic security, and electric, gas and water metering.
Last year, Johnson Controls released updates to its Metasys building control and automation system that bolstered the software with analytics tools, increased security features and simplified administration. Johnson Controls said those updates can move facilities closer to autonomous operations. Metasys 14.0 features airside and waterside HVAC applications based on ASHRAE Guideline 36, High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems. A company product leader explained that a continual release model makes it possible for operators to access the latest technologies and advancements as soon as they are developed.
NEOM–Samsung C&T joint venture for rebar robotics (Saudi Arabia)
NEOM announced on December 19, 2024, that it signed a joint venture agreement with Samsung C&T Corporation to unlock an initial investment of more than SAR 1.3 billion in construction robotics. The agreement will accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge construction automation technology in Saudi Arabia.
The JV aims to automate rebar cage assembly through advanced robotic welding and tying techniques and enable the assembly of large, pre-manufactured reinforcement cages. NEOM claims adoption of rebar assembly automation can reduce manual workforce hours by up to 80%, improve safety and quality, reduce material waste, and reduce cage assembly costs by up to 40%. The agreement will establish rebar cage assembly factories in NEOM and create more than 2,000 highly skilled job opportunities locally. The agreement aims to meet extensive requirements for construction of THE LINE and other key developments in the region.
NEOM Investment Fund orchestrated the joint venture and NEOM’s Design and Construction sector said developing an advanced industrial manufacturing economy at NEOM represents a key step in efforts to accelerate modern methods of construction across major projects.
Okibo launches EG7 robot in the U.S.
Okibo is opening its U.S. headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey, having established its U.S. base in 2024. The official launch of Okibo’s EG7 robot in the American market was reported on April 6, 2025. Okibo’s fully autonomous, AI-guided painting and drywall finishing robots are already active on major American construction sites, and the robots have covered more than one million square feet in Europe.
The EG7 is described as a next-generation, battery-powered robot requiring zero site preparation, external references, or technical expertise to operate. The EG7 does not depend on external markers or BIM tools and uses a patented AI-driven 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm for navigation and execution. The EG7 can finish an average of 1,000 square feet per hour and operates completely independently — no cords, pumps, or Wi‑Fi required.
Okibo says its robots reduce dust and improve air quality and eliminate common physical injuries on site. A workforce projection from the National Center for Construction Education and Research projects 41 percent of the construction workforce will retire by 2031, a factor that companies cite when talking about automation and robotics adoption.
Industry insight and resources
Construction Digital connects the leading construction executives of the world’s largest brands. Construction Digital’s platform serves as a digital hub for connecting industry leaders. Construction Digital covers a wide range of services including media and advertising, events, research reports, demand generation, information, and data services. Construction Digital says it strives to provide timely and valuable insights into best practices, fostering innovation and collaboration within the construction community. Construction Digital invites readers to join to “shape the future for generations to come.”
Facilities Dive offers a free newsletter described as keeping readers informed straight from their inbox. Subscribe options and industry newsletters remain common ways for professionals to follow fast-moving developments in building systems, automation and construction technology.
FAQ
Q: What does CupixWorks do?
A: CupixWorks by Cupix is an AI-powered as-built 4D digital twin platform. CupixWorks enables businesses to elevate their project management. CupixWorks has tools for automating construction site updates, such as 4D documentation. CupixWorks supports 360-degree cameras. CupixWorks includes construction progress tracking software.
Q: What is Reconstruct designed to provide?
A: Reconstruct markets itself as a capital asset lifecycle management system. Reconstruct provides 24/7 virtual site visibility. Reconstruct helps property owners, builders and inspectors manage construction progress through reality mapping. Reconstruct offers project snapshots. Reconstruct provides progress monitoring.
Q: What does Fieldwire offer?
A: Fieldwire is described as an all-in-one, as-built tool for tracking schedules and work performance in construction projects. Fieldwire provides insights that improve efficiency and coordination. Fieldwire enables real-time messaging. Fieldwire supports digitised forms for faster submission.
Q: What can Buildertrend do?
A: Buildertrend is construction management automation software. Buildertrend can simplify projects and sales and financial management processes. Buildertrend is cloud-based and includes tools such as a client portal. Buildertrend offers AI-powered progress updates. Buildertrend’s cloud-based tools can reduce 80% of daily phone calls (claimed).
Q: What are the key terms of the Johnson Controls award?
A: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded Johnson Controls a $377.9 million contract for the procurement, installation, maintenance and service of its Metasys building automation systems. The award notice says the contract is a three-year base contract. The contract is set to begin August 1. The contract includes a 24-month optional ordering period that could potentially bring the total value to $630 million, according to the award notice. Johnson Controls was the sole bidder for the contract.
Q: What systems will Johnson Controls provide under the contract?
A: The three-year contract will provide HVAC, utility monitoring and control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and other automated control systems to the U.S. Department of Defense, according to the award notice. The additional automated control systems named in the award include fire alarm safety. The additional systems include contamination detection, filtration, and response. The additional systems include electronic security. The additional systems include electric, gas and water metering.
Q: What is the NEOM–Samsung C&T JV focused on?
A: NEOM announced on December 19, 2024, that it signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with Samsung C&T Corporation. The NEOM–Samsung C&T JV aims to unlock an initial investment of more than SAR 1.3 billion in construction robotics. The agreement will accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge construction automation technology in Saudi Arabia. The JV aims to automate rebar cage assembly through advanced robotic welding and tying techniques. The JV aims to enable the assembly of large, pre-manufactured reinforcement cages.
Q: What does NEOM claim about automation benefits?
A: NEOM claims adoption of rebar assembly automation can reduce manual workforce hours by up to 80%, improve safety and quality, reduce material waste, and reduce cage assembly costs by up to 40%.
Q: What did Okibo announce for the U.S. market?
A: Okibo is opening its U.S. headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey. The official launch of Okibo’s EG7 robot in the American market was reported on April 6, 2025. Okibo established its U.S. base in 2024. Okibo’s fully autonomous, AI-guided painting and drywall finishing robots are already active on major American construction sites (company claim). Okibo’s robots have covered more than one million square feet in Europe (company claim).
Q: What are the EG7’s key capabilities?
A: The EG7 is described as a next-generation, battery-powered robot requiring zero site preparation, external references, or technical expertise to operate. The EG7 does not depend on external markers or BIM tools. The EG7 uses a patented AI-driven 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm for navigation and execution. The EG7 can finish an average of 1,000 square feet per hour. The EG7 operates completely independently — no cords, pumps, or Wi‑Fi required.
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Key features at a glance
| Platform / Item | Primary focus | Automation & update features | Notable metric / claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| CupixWorks | 4D digital twin / as-built | AI-powered as-built, 4D documentation, supports 360-degree cameras, progress tracking | As-built 4D platform |
| Reconstruct | Capital asset lifecycle management | Reality mapping, 24/7 virtual site visibility, project snapshots, progress monitoring | 24/7 virtual site visibility |
| Fieldwire | Field coordination and tracking | As-built tracking, schedule/work performance, real-time messaging, digitised forms | Improved efficiency and coordination |
| Buildertrend | Project, sales and financial management | Cloud-based tools, client portal, AI-powered progress updates | Claims 80% reduction in daily phone calls |
| Johnson Controls / Metasys | Building automation systems | HVAC, utility monitoring, SCADA, fire, contamination detection, security, metering | $377.9 million three-year base contract; optional period could raise to $630 million |
| NEOM–Samsung C&T JV | Rebar fabrication robotics | Automated rebar cage assembly, robotic welding and tying | Initial investment more than SAR 1.3 billion; claims up to 80% labour hours reduction |
| Okibo EG7 | Autonomous painting & drywall finishing robot | AI-guided 3D scanning and real-time modeling, battery-powered, autonomous operation | Average 1,000 sq ft per hour; over 1,000,000 sq ft covered in Europe |
Note: Claims and metrics are taken from company and award notices cited in this report. Project teams should verify performance and contractual details when evaluating tools for specific projects.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Facilities Dive: Johnson Controls wins up to $630M Metasys contract
- Wikipedia: Johnson Controls
- Construction Briefing: Startup roundup — five construction tech firms raise over $100M
- Google Search: construction technology startups
- GlobeNewswire: Japan Building Automation System Forecast and Company Analysis Report 2025-2033
- Google Scholar: building automation systems Japan forecast
- NEOM: NEOM and Samsung C&T JV announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NEOM
- Robotics & Automation News: Okibo brings painting robot to America
- Google News: Okibo EG7 painting robot
Author: Construction TX News
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