My Experience with HP SitePrint on a Live Construction Project
Are Robots Taking Over Construction Setting Out?
I recently had another fantastic opportunity to visit one of the construction projects being delivered by Winvic Construction, where my friend Read is leading the engineering team and driving innovation on site. As someone who is passionate about construction technology and site engineering, I was particularly interested in seeing the latest HP SitePrint solution in action.
The technology, developed through collaboration between HP and Leica Geosystems, is designed to automate the process of transferring digital layouts directly onto the construction site floor. In simple terms, it’s like printing the drawing directly onto the slab. Instead of a setting out engineer manually marking lines, grids, partition walls, and service routes, the robot carries out the work automatically with impressive accuracy.
Seeing the system operating on a live project was fascinating. The quality of the printed layouts was excellent, and it was easy to understand why contractors are increasingly exploring digital layout solutions. For internal works, particularly when marking partition walls, services, door openings, and other fit-out elements, the technology offers significant advantages. It can improve productivity, reduce human error, and provide a clear visual layout for multiple trades working on site.
Technology is becoming increasingly practical for live Construction Environments
One of the most valuable parts of the visit was discussing the technology with both the engineering team and one of the younger engineers who was heavily involved in operating the robot. It was great to see the enthusiasm for innovation and how quickly the next generation of site engineers is adapting to new technologies. Construction is often viewed as a traditional industry, but visits like this highlight just how much digital transformation is taking place across modern projects.
What impressed me most was how well the robot handled real site conditions. I was particularly interested in seeing how it would cope with obstacles and uneven surfaces. During the demonstration, it successfully navigated over small obstructions, including plywood coverings around openings, without any significant issues. This showed that the technology is becoming increasingly practical for live construction environments.
However, despite its impressive capabilities, I don’t believe robots are taking over the role of the setting out engineer anytime soon.
Technology isn’t replacing Engineers - it’s helping them work more Efficiently
Like every tool, HP SitePrint has limitations. It performs best in large, open areas with relatively clear access and is particularly effective for internal layout work. When it comes to setting out structural elements, transferring control, establishing grids for new slabs, or working during the early stages of construction, experienced site engineers remain essential. The robot still relies on accurate survey control, planning, verification, and engineering judgement—all of which come from skilled professionals.
My biggest takeaway from the visit was that this technology isn’t replacing engineers; it’s helping them work more efficiently. By automating repetitive layout tasks, engineers can spend more time focusing on quality, coordination, problem-solving, and ensuring projects are delivered correctly.
Construction continues to evolve, and technologies like HP SitePrint are an exciting glimpse into the future of digital construction. While robots can certainly make certain tasks faster and more accurate, the expertise and decision-making of skilled setting out engineers remain just as important as ever.
The future of construction isn’t engineers versus robots—it’s engineers working alongside technology to build smarter, safer, and more efficiently than ever before.