Robotics
Kajima Rolls Out FieldAI Robot Autonomy Across Construction Sites
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Kajima announced on November 5, 2026 that it had begun full-scale deployment of autonomous robots using FieldAI’s autonomy software based on physical AI. The rollout operates under an enterprise-level service agreement and shifts the collaboration from individual projects to continuous use on active construction sites.
The agreement was reached in 2025. In roughly a year since signing, Kajima has deployed the robots at more than 10 construction sites in Japan, with expansion to additional sites and applications continuing under the agreement. No contract value or pricing was disclosed.
The robots are taking over some routine construction-management work, including site rounds, visual documentation and 3D scanning. Kajima links the rollout to construction-industry worker shortages and workstyle reform, seeking to reduce engineers’ routine workload while ensuring safety and improving productivity. Engineers can consequently concentrate more on advanced technical judgment and the safety, quality and schedule decisions required on each project.
The companies have collaborated since 2023, refining the technology through operation on real job sites. The robots have completed more than 2,000 autonomous missions across different robot types, tasks and sites, with Kajima characterizing the current activity as continuous use rather than demonstrations under limited conditions. That distinction matters on construction projects, where structures and the placement of materials and equipment change daily.
A General-Purpose Autonomy Unit
The system is built around an autonomy unit that can be mounted on different robots. Cameras and LiDAR capture imagery and point-cloud data, while an edge AI device processes that information on the robot rather than in the cloud and determines a safe travel direction in real time. Local processing supports autonomous operation indoors, underground where satellite-based GNSS positioning is unavailable, and in places where external communication is difficult.
Kajima says the software core, FieldAI’s Field Foundation Models, combines data-driven learning, physics-based reasoning and uncertainty quantification to handle situations the system has not previously learned and environments that change daily. Its general-purpose design contrasts with conventional robot control technology that requires customization for specific sites.
On first startup, a robot explores an unknown area and generates a three-dimensional map. Subsequent rounds avoid obstacles, capture photographs and point-cloud measurements, and update the map as site conditions change. After completing its work, the robot returns to its charging station and uploads data that is automatically organized for web access. Users can also direct it to a specified location from a tablet or PC and view real-time video.
Security, Progress Records and Disaster Response
The same software supports several applications. During security patrols on non-working days, late at night or early in the morning, detected anomalies trigger flashing high-intensity LEDs and audio alerts, while responsible personnel can view captured video in real time. For progress management, automatically captured 360-degree photographs and high-resolution color point clouds provide construction-status and dimensional information.
The robots can also be deployed at disaster-recovery sites following earthquakes or heavy rain, collecting photographs, point-cloud data and live video before site safety has been confirmed. Kajima says using robots in place of people for that initial data collection can accelerate the initial response.
Kajima plans a progressive rollout to more job sites and intends to apply the autonomy software to other technologies it is developing, advancing autonomy in additional machinery. The central issue for the next stage is how broadly the same platform can be reused as Kajima adds sites, applications and machinery, while engineers retain responsibility for technical judgment and safety management.
