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DEWALT’s DALE, an autonomous robot that drills into concrete floors for data center construction, has earned a place in the Robotics category of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026. Developed with August Robotics, the machine automates repetitive drilling needed to install server rack anchors and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing supports.
The recognition follows DALE’s selection for Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech Awards earlier in October. Already operating on live jobsites, the robot targets a labor-intensive part of building the facilities that house AI and cloud computing infrastructure.
Automating the Concrete Floor
Data center fit-outs require large numbers of accurately positioned holes before crews can secure racks and install building systems. DALE handles the downward drilling on August Robotics’ autonomous mobile platform, with multiple robots able to work across a site simultaneously. For server racks, the holes receive anchor bolts that help keep the heavy equipment upright.
Fast-swap batteries and remote monitoring support around-the-clock operation. August Robotics says automatic dust extraction and AI-driven quality assurance help leave floors ready for installation while reducing workers’ exposure to silica dust and vibration.
More Than 385,000 Holes Drilled
DEWALT reports that DALE has drilled more than 385,000 holes with over 99% accuracy on data center jobsites.
In reported deployment results, the company also cites drilling speeds up to 10 times faster than conventional methods and cumulative schedule savings of more than 300 weeks across 44 construction phases.
TIME selected 300 innovations for its annual list, evaluating originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. The earlier Fast Company award recognized DALE in the “Enduring Impact: 15+ Years in Business” category; DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, was the only tool manufacturer among the honorees, according to August Robotics.
DALE debuted at World of Concrete in early 2026 and became commercially available in July, bringing its fleet-based drilling system to data center construction crews.
