Fast Company Honors World-First Fleet-Capable Downward Drilling Robot; DEWALT Is the Only Tool Manufacturer Recognized in 2026 Next Big Things in Tech Awards Program
Key Highlights
- ➤DALE drills up to 10 times faster than conventional methods
- ➤DALE reduced schedules by more than 300 weeks across 44 phases
- ➤DALE achieved over 99% accuracy across more than 385,000 holes
- ➤Fast Company recognized DALE among 1,000 applicants across 30-plus categories
Expert Statements
Bill Beck, President, Tools & Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker
“Our teams set out to address a major challenge facing large scale infrastructure projects: how to help crews move faster without compromising consistency, safety, or control.”
Bill Beck, President, Tools & Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker
“This recognition reflects the strength of that effort and the value of bringing advanced automation to one of the most demanding construction environments.”
Bill Beck, President, Tools & Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker
“Working alongside August Robotics, we have introduced innovation that helps customers increase output, simplify execution, and better support the pace of modern building.”
Fast Company Honors World-First Fleet-Capable Downward Drilling Robot; DEWALT Is the Only Tool Manufacturer Recognized in 2026 Next Big Things in Tech Awards Program PR Newswire
* DALE™, developed in collaboration with global mobile robotics leader August Robotics, honored among 1,000 applicants across more than 30 categories * The groundbreaking robot was recognized for redefining data center construction by delivering concrete drilling with unmatched speed, safety, and efficiency to the world's hyperscalers * DALE drills at speeds up to 10 times faster than traditional methods, reduced project timelines by more than 300 weeks across 44 data center construction phases, and achieved over 99% accuracy drilling more than 385,000 holes TOWSON, Md., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand renowned for relentless innovation on the jobsite, today announced that the world's first fleet-capable, downward drilling robot, DALE™, has been named a winner in Fast Company's 2026 Next Big Things in Tech Awards. The awards recognize innovative technologies developed by established companies, startups, and research teams that are making meaningful progress toward transforming the lives of consumers, businesses, and society. This year's innovations demonstrate the potential to create significant impact in the years ahead.
Get started
Create a free account to read the full story.