Jeremy Keck’s Post – LinkedIn

The pursuit of robotics and automation within the built environment depends more on the willingness of industry partners to embrace risk than on the technology itself, according to reflections from Jeremy Keck following a visit to Guangzhou.

During the week preceding May 15, 2026, Keck attended CIHIE 2026 in Guangzhou, China. He traveled with contractors to explore automation and robotics solutions specifically designed for the built environment.

While the purpose of the trip was to evaluate technological advancements, Keck noted that the robotics on display were not surprising, as most of the technology was already known to the group.

The primary value of the trip, Keck stated, was the realization that the contractors chose to attend and invest their time, energy, and resources to explore solutions that do not guarantee success.

This willingness to act as first movers is significant because those who implement untested technology often face the highest risks and pay the price that allows the rest of the industry to learn.

Keck described the broader journey toward integrating robotics as mentally challenging, citing periods of slow progress and persistent doubts regarding whether the effort is moving in the right direction.

The experience of traveling with partners who share a similar vision provided a shift in perspective, as these contractors are stepping into uncertainty rather than waiting for others to resolve the challenges of the technology.

Keck concluded that the deepening of relationships with these contractors was more valuable than the robots viewed in Guangzhou.

Keck expressed gratitude toward those willing to be first movers in their respective industries, acknowledging that while the journey is difficult, it remains important.

In a reflection on the experience, Keck noted:

Sometimes the biggest discovery isn’t what you went looking for.

Jeremy Keck