When humanoids move in: How the construction industry must change

The introduction of humanoid robots into everyday life— whether in nursing homes, modern family households, or commercial buildings—is fast approaching. While technological issues surrounding AI, sensor technology, and autonomous navigation are being intensively discussed, one aspect often remains under-examined: the structural requirements.

If humanoid robots are to serve as door openers, assistants, logisticians, or service partners in the future, buildings must be prepared for them.

1. Movement spaces: More than just barrier-free

Although humanoid robots are built to resemble humans, they move with mechanical precision and require clearly defined paths. Barrier-free access is a basic requirement—but it is not enough. Wider traffic areas, fewer bottlenecks, optimized turning circles, and clear lines of movement are essential. In commercial buildings, zoned movement axes are added so that robots can perform their tasks efficiently without disrupting the flow of people and logistics.

2. Infrastructure for energy and data

Where robots work, they need power, charging points, and permanent connectivity. Buildings are therefore becoming “robot-ready” infrastructures:

• Strategically placed charging zones on traffic axes or in functional rooms

• High-performance Wi-Fi or 5G networks that remain stable even in basements and ancillary rooms

• Expanded socket and fuse capacities, especially in older buildings

In commercial buildings, dedicated robot server rooms are also conceivable in order to bundle navigation, maintenance, and fleet management.

3. Adaptable interiors and modular furniture

Humanoid robots interact with furniture: they carry, tidy up, and operate devices. Standard heights, ergonomic grip edges, and modular systems that are optimally designed for sensory detection and gripping movements are becoming central. In kitchens or care rooms, for example, fronts could be equipped with clear contours, magnetic markers, or sensor-supported interaction points.

4. Rethinking door systems, elevators, and access points

Door handles, automatic door systems, and elevators must natively support robot interactions. Mechanical rotary handles are manageable for humanoid grippers, but they require precision—which is why future buildings will tend to rely on automated or sensor-based door systems.

Elevators require standardized interfaces so that robots can select floors autonomously.

5. Safety and collision protection

With robots indoors, safety requirements are increasing:

• Non-slip floors for robotic stability

• Fall detection systems to report incidents involving humans and machines

• Collision-friendly materials on corners and edges

• Visual orientation aids (e.g., floor markings in industrial buildings)

The following also applies to commercial buildings: Internal traffic planning must take human-machine interactions into account in the future.

6. Maintenance, logistics, and service areas

Humanoid robots require maintenance and diagnostic areas, similar to vehicles. In large facilities or areas, this will result in service points where:

• Software updates can be installed

• Spare parts can be stored

• Robotic components can be maintained.

Residential buildings could at least provide mini service niches, for example next to technical rooms or storage areas.

7. New standards and regulations

The integration of humanoid robots will lead to adjustments in building law in the long term:

• Extended requirements of SIA standards

• Guidelines for robot corridors and interaction rooms

• Specifications for IT redundancy and building information modeling (BIM)

• Requirements for safety, liability, and operation

As a nation known for precision and engineering, Switzerland is likely to develop standards early on, for example for care facilities, retirement homes, or industrial sites.

Conclusion: Robot-ready buildings are becoming a new quality feature. Humanoid robots are not only changing work processes, but also architecture. Buildings that are already being designed to be “robot-ready” not only increase comfort and efficiency, but also ensure their future viability. Whether in residential construction, care facilities, or industrial areas, structural preparation is a decisive factor in whether humanoid assistants can actually reach their full potential.