DEWALT and August Robotics have received recognition from TIME, which has named their autonomous drilling robot, DALE, to its Best Inventions of 2026 list in the Robotics category. The robot was developed to automate downward drilling on construction sites, with a focus on large data centre projects. TIME editors and correspondents assessed nominations from around the world and selected 300 innovations based on originality, effectiveness, ambition and impact.
DALE is designed to improve the speed and accuracy of concrete drilling as demand for data centre infrastructure increases. According to the companies, the robot has achieved drilling speeds up to 10 times faster than conventional methods on active data centre construction sites. Across 44 construction phases, it has helped reduce project timelines by more than 300 weeks and has delivered over 99% accuracy across more than 385,000 holes.
Bill Beck, President of Tools & Outdoor at Stanley Black & Decker, said the recognition reflected DEWALT’s focus on developing practical technologies for construction professionals. He said DALE demonstrated how automation could help customers increase productivity and improve safety as construction projects face growing demands.
The robot was developed by DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, in collaboration with August Robotics, a mobile robotics company that develops systems for automating repetitive, hazardous and labour-intensive tasks. DALE is intended to address drilling requirements on data centre projects, where construction teams must complete large numbers of accurately positioned holes. Automating this work can reduce the need for repetitive manual drilling and help construction teams manage demanding project schedules.
The companies said DALE had attracted industry attention earlier in 2026 as it entered the market for data centre construction. Its inclusion in TIME’s annual list adds to the recognition of robotics as a tool for improving construction workflows and supporting large infrastructure developments. DEWALT develops tools, outdoor equipment and jobsite technologies for professional tradespeople and other users. The brand is part of Stanley Black & Decker, a global manufacturer of tools, outdoor products, storage solutions and engineered fasteners.
August Robotics, founded in 2017, develops autonomous mobile robots for construction, commercial and industrial fit-outs, exhibitions and other applications. The company works with industry partners to automate tasks that are repetitive or difficult to perform manually. Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the United States, Stanley Black & Decker employs approximately 41,000 people and owns brands including DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, BLACK+DECKER and Cub Cadet.
