Beton Bauen and Refcon SG at ICRI 2026 Fall Convention: Can Robotics Solve the Concrete Sector's Biggest Issues?

The concrete restoration and repair sector is shifting focus to the conclusion of the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) 2026 Fall Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Centred around the theme "Rising from the Rubble: Studies in Resilience," the three-day event has brought together an international cohort of contractors, engineers, and manufacturers.

Attending... ICRI 2026 FALL CONVENTION: SUMMARY Among the prominent industry leaders preparing to attend the convention's final day on Wednesday, October 21, are representatives from UK-based specialist contractor Beton Bauen Ltd and Refcon Specialist Group, who are co-exhibiting to showcase (in the main) specialist concrete repair services, structural waterproofing, and smart technology concrete drilling solutions.

The final day follows a highly anticipated presentation on Tuesday, October 20, by Steve Davies, the Managing Director of Beton Bauen. Davies' address focused heavily on the future integration of Robotics and Automation within the concrete sector, a subject that has gained massive traction under evolving construction standards. His presentation outlined how automated machinery can modernise traditionally labour-intensive processes, directly addressing global labour shortages while drastically boosting project efficiency.

Presenting... ROBOTICS FOR CONCRETE REMEDIATION

Evolving construction standards and labour shortages are forcing the concrete repair sector to ask a critical question: how do we build faster, safer, and with flawless precision? For years, concrete drilling has been defined by heavy physical labour and high on-site risks. However, the conversation on the exhibition floor at the ICRI 2026 Fall Convention suggests a massive shift is underway. Following the eye-opening presentation on Tuesday about the commercial reality of robotic investment, contractors are looking past the initial price tag to embrace a safer, automated future.

A core pillar of Davies’ discussion was how automation reshapes high-risk environments. By transitioning repetitive, hazardous, and physically demanding tasks—such as concrete drilling, coring, and anchor installation - to specialised robotic systems, contractors can significantly lower on-site injury rates. The presentation underscored that while safety is the primary benefit, the precision of these smart technologies also ensures a standard of quality assurance and structural accuracy that manual labour struggles to replicate.

However, the presentation did not overlook the commercial hurdles facing widespread automation. Davies provided a transparent evaluation of the barriers currently limiting global adoption, specifically addressing the heavy initial capital investment required for robotic systems. He outlined practical advice for calculating the true return on investment (ROI), encouraging firms to weigh upfront equipment costs against long-term gains in speed, material waste reduction, and reduced liability.

As the convention reaches its final day, the joint presence of Beton Bauen and Refcon Specialist Group on the exhibition floor serves as a prime opportunity for attendees to discuss how they might adopt these automated concepts.

Partnering with... REFCON SPECIALIST GROUP

For both Beton Bauen and U.S. partner copmpany Refcon SG, attending the final day of the convention serves as an ideal launchpad to implement these new technologies directly into upcoming commercial projects in North America. However, Refcon SG will use the closing day to target industrial concrete restoration developments.

The business operates independently from its Texas headquarters, offering a wide range of concrete refurbishment services including:

• General Concrete Repair

• Industrial Flooring

• Driveway refurbishment

• Expansion Joint replacement

• Void filling - Crack Repair

• Resin Injection

• Water proofing - Leak stoppages

• Pressure washing - Soft washing

• Inspection services

To find more information, visit www.RefconSG.com.

Get in Touch & FURTHER READING

To discuss how Beton Bauen and/or Refcon SG can implement concrete drilling technology on your construction project, or to read more about our visit to the ICRI 2026 Fall Convention, click here.