What happens when robotics, AI, and construction finally converge?
The rules of the built environment begin to change — and innovators like Selen Ercan are leading the transformation.
Selen is an architect, digital fabrication researcher, and co-founder of Layered, a startup pioneering mobile construction robots that apply plaster, paint, insulation, and coatings directly on site. Her career spans ETH Zurich, computational design, and robotic fabrication — placing her at the heart of the construction automation revolution.
In this episode, Selen Ercan
Unveils the layers of how robotics, sensor systems, and AI can automate labor-intensive finishing tasks.
Decodes the complexity behind on-site deployment: uneven walls, unpredictable materials, worker coordination, and data-driven learning loops.
Builds clarity on why construction robotics is key to solving labor shortages, improving safety, and reaching new levels of quality and efficiency.
3 Reasons to Listen:
- Get real insights from Layered’s pilot projects — the first time their robot ever touched a real building.
- Learn how AI and computer vision are designing a new era of digital craftsmanship.
- Understand how robotics will redefine the future of skilled labor, blending operator roles with digital tools.
Why This Episode Matters in 2025 and Beyond
Construction robotics is no longer a future concept — it’s the solution emerging right now.
Layered shows what’s possible when AI, automation and digital fabrication come together: smarter building processes, safer workflows, and higher-quality outcomes.
DT VECTOR Dictionary
- Construction Robotics. Robots designed to perform physical construction tasks on-site, improving speed, quality, and safety.
- On-Site Automation. Automation technologies operating directly in active construction environments.
- Mobile Manipulator. A robot combining wheels + a robotic arm, enabling movement and precise material application.
- Spray-Based Digital Fabrication. Applying plaster, paint, or coatings with robotic precision for higher quality and efficiency.
- Human–Robot Collaboration (HRC). Teams where humans supervise and plan while robots execute repetitive tasks.
- AI in Construction. Using machine learning to optimize materials, detect surfaces, and improve task execution.
- Skilled Labor Future. Construction workers transitioning from manual spraying to robotic operators and digital supervisors.
- Hardware-Agnostic Robotics. Software that can run on different robot platforms, improving scalability.