Singapore’s JTC Automates Excavation and Compaction with Construction Robots, Targeting 20-30% Efficiency Gain

September 20, 2026

The Straits Times Singapore

Overview

Singapore’s JTC is accelerating construction robotics by retrofitting existing excavators and compactors with autonomous software from Switzerland’s Gravis Robotics and Kajima Corporation’s A4CSEL automated construction system. This initiative aims to boost construction speed by 20-30% and is expected to alleviate labor shortages. Deployment is anticipated as early as 2028.

In Depth

Key Findings

JTC, Singapore’s urban development authority, has successfully automated excavation and compaction tasks by developing construction robots through retrofitting existing construction machinery. This innovative approach aims to increase construction speed by 20-30% and is expected to be fully implemented by 2028, addressing productivity and labor shortages in construction sites.

Technical Details

JTC’s construction robotics project was driven by collaboration with leading technology partners. Specifically, autonomous software and hardware systems from Switzerland’s Gravis Robotics and the “A4CSEL (Advanced Automated and Autonomous Construction System for Safety, Efficiency and Reliability)” developed by Japan’s Kajima Corporation were integrated. By embedding these technologies into existing construction equipment like hydraulic excavators and compactors, these machines can now autonomously perform excavation and compaction without direct human operation. The combination of sensors, AI-powered real-time environmental recognition, and high-precision GPS allows robots to operate accurately and safely even in complex construction sites. This ensures consistent work quality and eliminates variations typically associated with human operators.

Background & Context

Singapore, with its limited land area and workforce, faces the dual challenges of increasing construction demand and aging infrastructure. Particularly in the construction sector, chronic labor shortages due to its labor-intensive nature have made productivity improvement an urgent priority. JTC’s initiative seeks to solve these structural issues by proactively adopting robots and automation technology, rather than relying on traditional construction methods. The approach of robotizing existing machinery is more cost-effective than developing and deploying entirely new dedicated robots, enabling rapid technology adoption. This could serve as a model case for accelerating digital transformation across the broader construction industry.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

JTC’s construction robots are targeting full-scale deployment in construction sites by 2028. The 20-30% increase in construction speed demonstrated in initial trials has the potential to significantly reduce project timelines and costs. In the future, the application of robots is expected to expand to a wider range of construction tasks beyond excavation and compaction, paving the way for full automation of entire construction sites. This technology is anticipated to have a profound impact not only within Singapore but also on the construction industries of other nations facing similar challenges, contributing to global construction productivity improvements.

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-robots-on-trial-could-be-deployed-as-early-as-2028

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