One of Stanley Black & Decker’s tool brands is collaborating with a robotics company on a new way to drill concrete to accelerate data center construction.
DEWALT has partnered with August Robotics to launch a downward-drilling robot that can drill at speeds up to ten times faster than traditional methods, according to the companies.
The robotic system drills holes for installation of server rack stops and structural legs that support overhead mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. In large data center projects that can total tens of thousands of holes.
The robot is currently being piloted and has completed 10 phases of data center construction with one of the world’s largest and most influential tech companies, or “hyperscalers.” Stanley says the tool has reduced construction timelines by a cumulative 80 weeks across 10 separate data center projects.
“Across the globe, hyperscalers, which account for nearly 80% of overall data center demand, are investing in infrastructure to power AI computing, with an estimated industry-wide capital expenditure of $7 trillion in data centers by 2030,” said Bill Beck, president of tools & outdoor for Stanley Black & Decker.
The robotic drilling solution is expected to be available commercially mid-year 2026.
