DEWALT and August Robotics' Downward Drilling Robot Named to TIME's Best Inventions of 2026

Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) announced that its DEWALT brand's DALE drilling robot earned recognition among TIME's Best Inventions of 2026.

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Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) announced that its DEWALT brand's DALE drilling robot earned recognition among TIME's Best Inventions of 2026. Developed with August Robotics, the autonomous downward drilling robot was selected in the Robotics category. TIME editors and correspondents evaluated entries for originality, efficacy, ambition and impact, selecting 300 innovations.

DEWALT reports that DALE has drilled up to 10 times faster than conventional methods on live data center jobsites, helped reduce project timelines by more than 300 weeks across 44 construction phases, and delivered over 99% accuracy across more than 385,000 holes.

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10/16/2026 - 11:27 AM EDT

DALE™, the world's first fleet-capable downward drilling robot, recognized in the Robotics category for advancing speed, precision, and safety in data center construction
Robot selected by TIME editors as one of 300 extraordinary innovations changing how we live, work, play, and think about what's possible
Developed in collaboration with August Robotics, 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. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand renowned for relentless innovation on the jobsite, today announced that DALE, its autonomous downward drilling robot developed in collaboration with global mobile robotics leader August Robotics, has been named to TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 list in the Robotics category. Nominated and evaluated by TIME editors and correspondents around the world, the winning 300 innovations were selected based on originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.

DALE, the autonomous downward drilling robot from DEWALT and August Robotics, has been named to TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 list.

Designed to dramatically improve how concrete drilling is performed, DALE is helping redefine data center construction at a time when demand for new computing capacity continues to accelerate. To date, on live data center jobsites, DALE has achieved drilling speeds up to 10 times faster than conventional methods, helped reduce project timelines by more than 300 weeks across 44 phases of data center construction, and delivered over 99% accuracy across more than 385,000 holes.

"We are honored that TIME has recognized DALE as one of the Best Inventions of 2026. DALE is an example of DEWALT's drive to deliver hyper-focused innovation to our end users and how advanced technology can be applied in a practical, results-driven way," said Bill Beck, President, Tools & Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker. "This is about bringing new capability to the jobsite and helping customers meet rising demands with greater productivity and improved safety."

After earning strong industry attention earlier this year and entering the market as a breakthrough solution optimized for data center construction, DALE continues to demonstrate how advanced automation can improve execution on large-scale infrastructure projects. Its recognition by TIME further validates the role robotics can play in helping customers increase output, simplify workflows, boost safety, and support the pace of modern building.

See the full list of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 at: ti.me/best-inventions.

To learn more about the robot and DEWALT's industry-leading solutions for jobsite professionals, visit www.dewalt.com.

For information on August Robotics and its autonomous mobile robotics solutions for construction, visit www.augustrobotics.com.

About DEWALT
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, celebrates 100 years in business by continuing to provide our customers with total jobsite and outdoor solutions. By applying its latest technology to the challenges of today's skilled trades, DEWALT is leading the charge for the jobsite of the future and is pioneering the next generation of tools, outdoor equipment and forward-looking technologies. DEWALT products. GUARANTEED TOUGH®. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Stanley Black & Decker
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company's approximately 41,000 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world's builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company's world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About August Robotics
August Robotics is a leading international mobile robotics company that builds robots to improve lives and boost productivity by automating dirty, dangerous and dull jobs. Founded in 2017, August Robotics has expanded worldwide and partners with market leaders to develop new robotic applications across industries including construction, commercial and industrial fit-outs, and exhibitions. For more information, visit www.augustrobotics.com, or follow August Robotics on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.