The Rise of Construction Robotics

What if your ideas could power machines that improve safety, reduce manual labour, and transform how we build the world? That’s exactly what Walter Nowak, Head of Robotics Software & Controls at ST Engineering Applied Solutions, does every day.

He leads the team behind i-paint^XL, a semi-autonomous robot redefining one of construction’s most physically demanding tasks: wall painting. Often done at height and involving repetitive strain, painting has long been one of the industry’s more hazardous and labour-intensive jobs.

In Germany, nearly 90% of painters report severe labour shortages, making it difficult to meet project timelines and maintain quality.^[1] Solutions like i-paint XL do more than boost productivity – they help bridge the talent gap while improving safety and consistency on site. Beyond robotics and engineering automation, Walter’s work is about solving real-world problems, bringing intelligent automation to the field, and helping modernise a sector ready for change.

Q: What sets the i-paint X^L apart from traditional painting methods?
Manual painting is slow, tiring, and inconsistent – especially on large-scale projects. i-paint X^L automates the process across surfaces up to 4 metres high. It improves precision, reduces risk, and eliminates the need for scaffolding. And we’re already developing a larger version, i-paint X^XL, to take productivity even further!

Q: Has i-paint X^L been used in real projects?
 Yes, we’ve piloted it in an industrial hall where it coated over 500 square metres. The outcome? A high-quality finish throughout and feedback that our robot outperformed typical manual results. Unlike humans, robots don’t really get tired or lose focus, no matter how long the job takes.

Q: What’s next for construction robotics in the next decade?

Construction has traditionally lagged in automation, but it’s catching up fast. Robots could become the norm for repetitive, high-volume tasks like painting. As systems become smarter and more affordable, adoption will grow. We’ll also see more adaptable robots that can adjust to real-world conditions. That said, full-site automation will take time as construction is a complex, dynamic environment. But by being early movers, we can help define what tomorrow’s worksites can look like – smarter, safer, and more efficient.

^[1] Top Five Construction Industry Trends in 2025. USP Research. (2024, March 29). View article here.