Construction Disrupted Episode 102 - Are Robot Dogs the Answer? (11.02.26)
From rising costs in the UK construction sector to the impact of data center growth on labor markets, and even the futuristic use of robot dogs in nuclear decommissioning, we’ve got a fascinating lineup of topics to discuss.
UK Construction Costs Set to Rise by 3.6% as Uncertainty Stalls Development, Says Currie & Brown
Consultancy firm Currie & Brown has forecasted a 3.6% rise in UK construction costs for 2026, surpassing the global average of 2.4%. This increase reflects moderate growth amidst market uncertainties.
Contributing factors include steady demand across infrastructure, healthcare, technology, and industrial sectors, alongside challenges such as a shrinking workforce, shifting trade tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and energy price volatility.
The report highlights the importance of agility in navigating these challenges. Recommendations for mitigating cost risks include setting realistic starting points, planning for multiple outcomes, adjusting project scope based on labor and market capacity, and leveraging technology to improve decision-making processes.
Data Centre Drain Ramps-Up M&E Labour Costs
The construction boom in London’s data center sector is driving up labor costs for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) workers. The latest London Main Contractor Survey by AECOM reveals that the rapid expansion of data centers has led to acute shortages of skilled tradespeople, forcing contractors to compete for a limited pool of high-quality subcontractors. This competition has resulted in significant increases in labor prices.
To address these challenges, some contractors are creating in-house MEP divisions to manage their projects more effectively. While short-term confidence among contractors remains low, the survey indicates a more optimistic outlook for 2026, with Tier 1 contractors reporting healthy order books across diverse sectors such as commercial, public, and infrastructure projects.
Spot the Robot Dog Swabs Down Sellafield Like a Human
Sellafield has introduced Spot, the robot dog, to perform swabbing tasks for monitoring radioactivity as part of its nuclear decommissioning efforts. Swabbing involves using circular paper filters to measure radiation levels on various surfaces. Spot is equipped with a patent-pending contamination swabbing tool that replicates the complex, dexterous movements of human swabbing.
This innovative use of robotics enhances safety by reducing human exposure to contaminated areas and improves efficiency in collecting vital data for decommissioning strategies. Spot’s capabilities are further enhanced by a haptic controller and custom software that translate real-time hand movements into commands for its manipulator, showcasing how technology is revolutionizing the nuclear industry and paving the way for safer and more efficient operations.
Bios
For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.
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