How Evolve MEP Is Bringing Automation, Robotics, and Digital Fabrication to Construction
- Audree Grubesic
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
The construction industry has spent years discussing productivity challenges, labor shortages, and the need for greater efficiency. While many conversations focus on workforce development, another major transformation is already taking place behind the scenes.
Technology.
At Advancing Prefab 2026, Offsite Dirt Network sat down with Richard Burroughs IV of Evolve MEP to discuss how software, automation, robotics, and digital fabrication are helping contractors rethink the way mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are designed, fabricated, and installed.
The Critical Role of MEP Systems
When people think about buildings, they often focus on the structure itself. However, some of the most important components are hidden behind walls and above ceilings.
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are what allow buildings to function. They provide power, airflow, communications, and essential infrastructure that support everything from hospitals and manufacturing facilities to data centers and commercial buildings.
As projects become larger and more complex, the need for greater coordination and efficiency within MEP systems continues to grow.
From Design to Fabrication
Founded in 2016, Evolve MEP develops software that helps contractors design and fabricate MEP systems more efficiently. What began as a solution to help electrical contractors automate portions of their design process has grown into a platform serving more than 600 contractors across 47 states and 15 countries.
Today, Evolve's software supports the entire workflow from design through fabrication and installation.Using BIM and digital modeling, contractors can plan systems before construction begins, allowing fabrication to happen offsite and in parallel with site preparation.
Instead of waiting for a building to be ready before measuring and fabricating materials, teams can design, procure, fabricate, and prepare components in advance. Once the site is ready, installation can begin immediately.
The Rise of Manufacturing in Construction
One of the biggest themes discussed during the interview was the growing adoption of manufacturing principles within construction. Traditionally, many fabrication processes relied heavily on manual labor. Measuring, cutting, bending, and assembling materials often required significant hands-on effort.
Today, that process is changing. Advanced fabrication equipment, CNC machinery, and automation systems are allowing contractors to increase consistency, improve quality, and accelerate production. Evolve's software helps bridge the gap between digital design and machine execution, allowing fabrication equipment to operate directly from project data.
The result is a more connected workflow that reduces errors and improves productivity.
Why Data Centers Are Driving Growth
According to Burroughs, one of the largest growth areas for construction automation today is data centers. As demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure continues to increase, data center construction has accelerated nationwide.
These projects require enormous amounts of electrical infrastructure and often operate under aggressive schedules. That combination makes automation, prefabrication, and digital fabrication particularly valuable.
Beyond data centers, Evolve is also seeing significant growth in advanced manufacturing and healthcare construction. These sectors often require highly coordinated MEP systems and benefit greatly from increased standardization and offsite fabrication.
Labor Challenges Are Accelerating Innovation
Labor shortages continue to impact every corner of the construction industry. The challenge extends beyond field labor and affects design teams, fabrication facilities, and project operations alike.
As Burrows explained, productivity gains can no longer rely solely on adding more people. Companies are increasingly investing in technology, machinery, and process improvements to achieve better outcomes with existing resources.
This shift is helping drive greater adoption of automation throughout construction.
Rather than replacing workers, technology is allowing skilled professionals to focus on higher-value tasks while repetitive processes become more efficient.
Robotics Are Already Here
While robotics may sound like a future concept, many construction companies are already beginning to implement robotic solutions today. One of the most surprising insights from the conversation was that Evolve's software already integrates directly with robotic systems.
Combined with CNC fabrication equipment and automated workflows, robotics are becoming another tool that contractors can leverage to improve productivity and consistency. As technology continues to mature, these capabilities are expected to become more common across the industry.
The Importance of Collaboration
Innovation in construction rarely happens in isolation. Successful automation requires collaboration between equipment manufacturers, software developers, material suppliers, contractors, and project teams. Richard Burroughs IV emphasized that the ecosystem supporting automation includes machinery manufacturers, conduit suppliers, technology providers, and contractors working together to create scalable solutions. It is this collaboration that allows new technologies to move from concept to practical application on real projects.
Looking Ahead
The future of construction will require more than incremental improvements.
As labor shortages persist and project complexity increases, companies will continue looking for ways to improve productivity through technology and process innovation.
The integration of BIM, digital fabrication, machine automation, and robotics represents one of the most significant opportunities available today.
Companies like Evolve MEP are helping make these technologies accessible to contractors and demonstrating that the future of construction is already taking shape.
The question is no longer whether automation will become part of construction.
The question is how quickly the industry will embrace it.
FAQs
What is Evolve MEP?
Evolve MEP develops software that helps contractors design, fabricate, and install mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems through digital workflows, automation, and fabrication technologies.
How does automation improve construction productivity?
Automation reduces manual tasks, improves accuracy, accelerates fabrication, and helps contractors complete projects more efficiently while addressing labor shortages.
Which construction sectors are driving automation adoption?
According to Evolve MEP, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare construction are currently among the fastest-growing sectors utilizing automation and digital fabrication technologies.
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