The construction sector faces several challenges today, from workforce shortages to technological adaptation, environmental sustainability, and workplace inclusivity. Among these, ensuring equal access remains a key issue, as the industry still struggles to attract talent from diverse backgrounds. For example, according to Eurostat data, women represent only 10% of the construction workforce – a clear indicator of gender imbalance in a historically male-dominated industry.

At the same time, many manual roles in construction face difficulties in attracting workers in general. As Luca Motta, a former Italian construction worker, observes: “Over the years, there’s been an increasing tendency for young people to pursue university degrees, often setting aside manual jobs due to personal choice or family pressure. These roles then become dominated by newcomers in a cost-focused environment, which can easily lead to exploitation”.

Addressing these barriers and imbalances – whether related to gender, safety, or the exploitation of more vulnerable workers – is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for building a more resilient and innovative industry.

To help transform the sector, the Horizon Europe project BEEYONDERS is developing a new generation of construction technologies such as exoskeletons, intelligent wearables, autonomous machinery, drones, and 3D printing systems. Designed with adaptability and inclusivity in mind, these tools aim to ease physical demands, support flexible operations, and improve on-site safety, while also making the sector more attractive to new talent. However, for these technologies to truly make an impact, their social acceptance and overall effectiveness must be carefully evaluated.

To this end, BEEYONDERS has developed a mixed-methods evaluation framework combining objective data, such as sensor outputs and GPS tracking, with subjective insights gathered through questionnaires and interviews. Using a pre- and post-intervention design, the project measures how these technologies influence workers in the field, monitoring improvements in health and safety as well as perceptions of accessibility and willingness to adopt them – key factors for long-term success.

As part of its ongoing evaluation, BEEYONDERS teamed up with sister projects InCUBE, RoBétArmé, and HumanTech to take a closer look at how gender influences perceptions of these new technologies. Using a jointly designed survey, they explored how construction professionals feel about adopting innovations, the barriers they face when it comes to inclusion, and the potential for these technologies to foster greater accessibility across different roles.

This analysis will provide critical insights especially into gender-based exclusion, which continues to affect even highly skilled professionals such as engineers, architects, and technical specialists. In fact, despite increased awareness, women in construction still frequently face environments that undervalue their contributions.

“Conducting studies like this is crucial not only to understand current dynamics but also to guide future research and policy”, emphasises Eva Martinez Cruz, Social Innovation Expert at ICONS and lead researcher for the initiative. “We expect this analysis to serve as a foundation for further research on gender inclusion in the construction industry, driving long-term, evidence-based progress”.

The BEEYONDERS project also underscores the importance of designing inclusive technologies that accommodate diverse body types, including women. Poorly designed equipment may exclude users regardless of their skills. Beyond gender, the analysis considers diversity in age and ability. When thoughtfully designed, technology can empower workers. For example, automation or exoskeletons can ease physical strain and enhance safety.

Luca Motta comments on exoskeletons specifically: “If well designed, these tools can be a good solution for tasks involving lifting or pulling, which are highly demanding depending on the role, as in the case of an average bricklayer”. However, he also cautions about potential unintended consequences: “An exoskeleton can improve safety and reduce fatigue, but if it is used to push workers to produce more, it defeats its purpose. Let’s also not forget that environmental conditions like heat, cold, or harsh weather still impose real strain that an exoskeleton cannot remove”. This illustrates that ensuring the fair, effective, and inclusive use of such technologies requires careful consideration of multiple factors.

Another critical dimension is accessibility for workers with disabilities. Autonomous vehicles, for instance, can support individuals with mobility challenges, while digital twins and remote monitoring tools open new opportunities for those unable to be physically present on site. By evaluating how emerging technologies can meet a wider range of physical and cognitive needs, the study explores how innovation can broaden participation in the sector.

This innovation process combines fieldwork, expert input, and continuous refinement to reflect evolving insights from the projects. To ensure the analysis aligns with real-world conditions, the team draws on interviews and structured feedback collected during pilot testing of the technologies. So far, twelve innovative solutions are being assessed, gathering perspectives from professionals across various roles.

These ongoing insights ensure the framework remains dynamic, embedding inclusivity as a measurable dimension of innovation in construction. Through this approach, BEEYONDERS provides a practical roadmap for a safer and more accessible construction industry.

Image credits: Bave Pictures, Unsplash

Background

BEEYONDERS develops and demonstrates advanced construction technologies – including AI, robotics, exoskeletons, and digital twins – to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The project strengthens Europe’s technological autonomy while fostering inclusivity, innovation, and environmental responsibility in the construction sector.

HumanTech redefined European construction by developing a human-centred automation model focused on safety, sustainability, and efficiency. It integrated robotics, smart wearables, and dynamic digital twins to reduce injuries, emissions, and waste while promoting inclusion, productivity, and digital transformation.

InCUBE drives the EU Renovation Wave through industrialised, standardised, and digitally integrated renovation processes. It combines renewable energy technologies, new materials, and workforce upskilling to promote sustainability, inclusivity, and efficiency, validated across three large-scale European demonstration sites.

RoBétArmé advanced Construction 4.0 by introducing human-robot collaboration to automate shotcrete application. Using AI, advanced sensors, and additive manufacturing, it developed autonomous robots for inspection, reinforcement, and finishing, improving construction safety, precision, and efficiency.

Main contacts:

Project coordinator:

Antonio Alonso Cepeda, Acciona (Coordinator)

Technical coordinator:

José Carlos Jimenez Fernandez, Tecnalia (Technical Coordinator)

E-mail: coordinator@beeyonders.eu

Communication manager:

Davide Valenti, ICONS – davide.valenti@icons.it

Project website: www.beeyonders.eu
LinkedIn: BEEYONDERS

YouTube: beeyondersEU - YouTube