Buildots launches AI tool to track underground utility progress using drone imagery

AI construction technology firm Buildots has introduced an industry-first solution that transforms drone imagery into actionable progress insights for underground utilities, marking a major leap in early-phase construction visibility. 

The new underground utility tracking function automatically analyzes drone-captured imagery to deliver real-time updates on installation progress, pace, and potential delay risks across utilities such as drainage, power, gas, telecoms, and water. The system replaces traditional manual tracking methods—site walks, paper drawings, and verbal updates—with structured, data-driven intelligence accessible through a unified platform.

“By bringing underground utility tracking into our platform, we’re eliminating a major blind spot in construction visibility,” said Roy Danon, Buildots’ co-founder and CEO. “We’re helping the industry move beyond drone documentation, delivering the insights teams need to spot risks early and keep projects on track from day one.”

The technology extends Buildots’ established AI-based construction management capabilities into the earliest phase of the project lifecycle, providing a seamless link between underground work and later-stage progress tracking. Key features include automated 3D model comparison against drone imagery, early delay warnings, and integration with existing dashboards—allowing teams to monitor underground and above-ground work through a single interface.

Mortenson Construction piloted the solution on a large-scale data center project in the southern U.S. “The true value of Buildots’ underground utility tracking lies in its ability to provide near real-time visibility into our progress and pace,” said Abbey Mumford, Operating Group Integrated Construction Director. “We can leverage this data for early decision-making and to safeguard downstream activities, keeping projects aligned and on schedule.”

The system integrates easily with existing drone workflows and requires only processed imagery. The output provides visual overlays, progress percentages, and pace forecasts—critical tools for large-scale projects such as data centers, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and campus-style developments.

By converting aerial imagery into structured intelligence, Buildots’ underground utility tracking aims to redefine how teams manage buried infrastructure, reducing rework, delays, and uncertainty on complex projects. The feature is now available to all Buildots customers.

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