DEWALT® Unveils the World’s First Downward Drilling, Fleet-Capable Robot to Accelerate Data Center Construction

20 January 2026

  • Amidst a rapid expansion of more than 400 data centers in development around the world1, DEWALT, in collaboration with August Robotics, is pushing the boundaries of innovation to address evolving customer needs
  • Robotic drilling solution has cut 80 weeks off data center construction timelines for one of the world’s largest technology companies as global demand for AI computing power skyrockets
  • Powered by August Robotics’ autonomous drilling and fleet orchestration platform, the robot achieved 99.97% drilling accuracy across 90,000+ holes throughout ongoing pilot program with a leading hyperscaler

TOWSON, Md. January 20, 2026 – DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and relentless innovator for job site professionals, today announced in collaboration with leading international mobile robotics company August Robotics, the launch of the world’s first downward drilling, fleet-capable robot to enable fast, safe, and efficient concrete drilling to accelerate data center construction.  

As the race to meet global AI processing needs intensifies, 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,” helping to significantly boost construction output.

“Across the globe, hyperscalers, which account for nearly 80% of overall data center demand2 are investing in infrastructure to power AI computing, with an estimated industry-wide capital expenditure of $7 trillion in data centers by 20303,” said Bill Beck, President, Tools & Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker. “Our customers consistently emphasize that speed of construction is critical. The robotic drilling solution meets this need head-on through schedule acceleration, cost savings, near-perfect accuracy and enhanced job site safety. DEWALT’s relentless pursuit of innovation to drive productivity is redefining how the world builds.”

Highly impactful for data center construction, the robot drives cost-efficiency through fleet-capable, autonomous drilling that unlocks greater drilling capacity. As a crucial stage of the construction workflow, the robotic solution drills thousands of holes for installation of server rack stops and structural legs that support overhead mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Implementation of the robot has significantly expedited construction timelines with 80 weeks saved across 10 data center projects; radically decreased cost per hole; and delivered 99.97 percent accuracy of location and depth for over 90,000 holes.

The addition of the robot strengthens DEWALT’s data center ecosystem encompassing PERFORM AND PROTECT™ tools and technology that mitigate vibration and dust and enhance user control, as well as DEWALT’s industry-leading ICC anchoring solutions.

 The robotic drilling solution is expected to be available commercially mid-year2026 and will be demoed at the World of Concrete® Trade Show in Las Vegas from January20-22.

 To learn more about groundbreaking DEWALT innovation and industry-leading total solutions for job site professionals, visit www.DEWALT.com.

 To learn more about August Robotics and its autonomous mobile robotics solutions for construction, visit www.augustrobotics.com.

 1 https://www.wsj.com/business/data-centers-are-a-gold-rush-for-construction-workers-6e3c5ce0?mod=Searchresults&pos=1&page=1

 2https://www.colliers.com/en/research/nrep-usdc-data-center-marketplace-2025

 3https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/the-cost-of-compute-a-7-trillion-dollar-race-to-scale-data-centers

 

About DEWALT

DEWALT a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is a leader in total job site solutions.For more than 100 years, DEWALT has been powering the future of construction with tools and technologies that have been designed, built and tested to help deliver safety and productivity on every job site. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALTon Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 About Stanley Black & Decker

Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) isa worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company's approximately 48,000 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital job site solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world's builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company's world-class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®,BLACK+DECKER® and Cub Cadet®. To learn more, visit www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow StanleyBlack & Decker on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn and X

 About August Robotics

AugustRobotics is a leading international mobile robotics company that builds robots to improve lives and boost productivity by automating dirty, dangerous and dull jobs. Founded in 2017, August Robotics has expanded worldwide and partners with market leaders to develop new robotic applications across industries including construction, commercial and industrial fit-outs, and exhibitions. For more information, visit www.augustrobotics.com, or follow August Robotics on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

 Media Contacts:   

Emily Cahn

Director, Public Relations, DEWALT

(443) 564-7446 

Emily.Cahn@sbdinc.com  

 

Sanjay Subramaniam

Marketing Lead, August Robotics

marketing@augustrobotics.com

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Sample text with a link is being used as a placeholder for real text that is normally present. Sample text helps you understand how real text may look on your website. Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text. Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text. Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text.

  • Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text that is normally present.
  • Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text that is normally present.
  • Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text that is normally present.
  1. Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text that is normally present.
  2. Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text that is normally present.
  3. Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text that is normally present.
Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text that is normally present. Sample text helps you understand how real text may look on your website. Sample text is being used as a placeholder for real text that is normally present.

Case Studies

Learn how our our clients have succeeded with
Lionel automated floor marking around the world
Australia
Excel London uses Lionel to speed up event build while reducing waste and supporting its carbon neutral goals.
Complex lighting layout
Elecorp Solutions

Contact form

Fill in this quick form and we'll get in touch ASAP
Where did you learn about Autonomous Robotic Drilling?
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.