Shimizu Invests in Noble Machines to Bring Humanoid Robots to Construction Sites

Japanese contractor Shimizu has invested in Silicon Valley startup Noble Machines to develop humanoid robots that carry materials, move around sites and run patrols, starting with BIM-based simulations.

LA Editorial TeamNovember 10, 20261 Mins read2

A group of people gathered around the Moby humanoid robot in a workshop with timber stored on racks behind them

Japanese contractor Shimizu Corporation has completed an investment in Noble Machines, a Silicon Valley startup, and started a full collaboration with it to develop humanoid robots for construction sites. The goal is robots that can support or take over physically demanding and hazardous work. The size of the investment has not been disclosed.

Noble Machines, based in Sunnyvale, California, develops the MOBY series of humanoid robots for construction along with their operating systems, control technology and application software. It was founded in May 2024 and is led by chief executive Wei Ding. The Robot Report, covering the company’s launch earlier this year, said its first robot, Moby, can lift up to 60 lb (27 kg).

Moby humanoid robot carrying a red crate past steel stud framing inside a building under construction — Moby carrying a crate through an interior fit-out · Image: courtesy Noble Machines

How Shimizu plans to test humanoid robots

Shimizu will feed its construction knowledge and site experience into Noble Machines’ hardware, control systems and applications. By the end of this year it plans to begin virtual simulations, built with its BIM and CIM data, of a first set of tasks: moving materials and equipment, finding a way around the site and carrying out patrols. Trials with physical robots on real construction sites are due to start next spring.

Several humanoid robots walking among scaffolding frames and traffic cones in a virtual simulation of a building interior — Walking simulation in a virtual environment · Image: courtesy Shimizu Corporation

Why a contractor is investing in robots

Shimizu links the project to the supply of labour. It expects shortages as the workforce ages and fewer young people join the industry, and says meeting future demand with a smaller workforce will need closer cooperation between people and robots on site, on top of productivity gains at every stage of construction.

Humanoid robot gripping a length of lumber with both arms next to scaffolding — A humanoid robot carrying lumber · Image: courtesy Shimizu Corporation

For design teams, the notable detail is the order of work: the robots are to rehearse site tasks in simulations built from Shimizu’s building and civil information models before they reach a real project. The release does not say which projects or models will be used.

Sources:Shimizu Corporation The AI Insider The Robot Report

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LA Editorial Team

The Learn Architecture editorial team is a group of architects, designers, and writers who research, write, and review content on architecture, design, technology, sustainability, and education for students and professionals worldwide.