DEWALT and August Robotics Deploy Fleet-Ready DALE Drilling Robot in Data Centers

DEWALT and mobile robotics company August Robotics have jointly developed DALE, a drilling robot built for data center construction. The machine has already drilled more than 385,000 holes, with accuracy exceeding 99%, according to deployment data from the companies.

DALE can drill up to 10 times faster than traditional methods. That speed advantage is significant in data center projects, where construction teams must place thousands of repetitive holes precisely while meeting tight schedules.

In pilot deployments, DALE helped save more than 300 weeks across construction phases at 44 data centers. The robot navigates autonomously and can operate as part of a coordinated fleet, enabling multiple units to work together on large job sites.

The system's accuracy and speed are intended to reduce rework and improve consistency in infrastructure builds. Data centers require dense mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations, making precise drilling a critical and time-consuming task.

DALE has received the Enduring Impact award in Fast Company's 2026 Next Big Things in Tech Awards. The recognition points to the robot's potential to change how repetitive construction tasks are performed at scale.

The collaboration combines DEWALT's tooling expertise with August Robotics' mobile robotics technology. Their joint system reflects a broader push to automate physically demanding and repetitive work in construction.