Fewer surprises. Faster turnover. Less finger-pointing.

Automated layout is when a construction layout robot prints layout lines from coordinated CAD/BIM files directly onto the slab or deck — so the field builds from the model instead of re‑interpreting it with tape, string, and chalk. For GCs, automated layout is about controlling risk and keeping the job aligned across trades, not just “doing layout faster.”

Multi‑Trade Layout is a GC‑led workflow where multiple trades agree up front on what gets laid out, then the robot prints that coordinated layout in a single pass. It helps avoid trade stacking conflicts and late discovery that turns into RFIs, rework, and schedule compression.

On high‑stakes projects, the strongest results come when the GC leads the workflow (scope, coordination, signoff, print day), because the general contractor is the only party positioned to align everyone early. That doesn’t mean the GC “takes the trades’ scope;“ it means you own the design‑to‑field handoff so trades can install with fewer clashes.

Start planning layout during preconstruction (precon): set expectations for VDC or BIM file timelines, coordination meetings, and signoff. When trades can see everyone’s plan on the deck at full scale, they solve conflicts together before install — so nobody gets stuck holding the bag later.

Most multi‑trade layout teams include the GC plus some mix of framing/drywall and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), fire protection, and any trade installing prefabricated assemblies or major equipment. The right answer depends on what’s most likely to collide and what’s driving the critical path on your job.

Dusty Robotics’ Multi‑Trade Layout can include walls, sleeves, penetrations, hangers, embeds, equipment outlines, grid lines, and other install references; all based on coordinated model data from the general contractor. The key is deciding what goes on the slab early so the print is useful and avoids clutter.

Dusty prints Multi‑Trade Layout from the digital model with 1/16" accuracy, so general contractors and other construction teams can trust the marks and move faster without second‑guessing. Accuracy matters most when multiple scopes share tight space.

Automated layout can replace large portions of traditional “measure‑and‑mark” layout, especially when you want to lay out many scopes at once and keep everyone aligned to the coordinated model. Many teams still use robotic total stations (RTS) for certain tasks but Dusty is designed to make layout a repeatable, model‑driven workflow instead of a craft activity that varies by crew.

Earlier than most teams do (during precon and early coordination) because multi‑trade layout changes downstream scheduling (who participates, what gets printed, and when the floor gets released). Treat the actual layout like a milestone, not a last‑minute field activity.

By putting coordinated design information on the slab at full scale, construction issues get spotted earlier (with foremen walking the deck together) instead of being discovered after install. That early visibility prevents “quiet” coordination problems, reducing last-minute RFIs that turn into expensive rework.

Any project where coordination is tight and schedule pressure is high — especially mission critical/data centers, healthcare, industrial/manufacturing, and other complex builds where trade density and tolerances make manual layout a recurring risk.