Global tech sparks change

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Hear insights from industry experts about AI trade-specific innovation overseas and what's next in the states. 

Artificial intelligence is moving fast, and for the global roofing industry, the changes are already here. While U.S. contractors weigh the risks of automation and unfamiliar technologies, other nations are charging forward. That divide was a central theme in this Coffee Conversations, sponsored by IB Roof Systems™ and hosted by Heidi J. Ellsworth, featuring former U.S. Congressman Denver Riggleman, CEO of Riggleman Information & Intelligence Group (RIIG); Trent Cotney, partner and construction team leader at Adams and Reese LLP and general counsel for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA); and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and a 45-year veteran of the roofing industry. Each brought a distinct perspective, spanning policy, legal frameworks, cutting-edge technology and on-the-ground industry expertise, delivering sharp insights into how global tech trends are reshaping roofing and construction. 

“Internationally, I think there seems to be much more comfort with technology when you’re looking at what trades are doing,” Denver said. He described seeing robotics and advanced AI already in use for basic construction tasks like finishing drywall and installing sheetrock in places like China, the UAE and Eastern Europe. “That sort of blows my mind,” he added. Denver, who has experience in defense and intelligence tech, noted that trades overseas are increasingly integrating machine learning, graph neural networks and automation into routine work. In contrast, many U.S. roofing contractors are still unsure how far they want to take new tech. “We don’t know if we trust it,” Denver said, quoting a family member who runs a roofing company. 

Trent agreed that international innovation is beginning to outpace domestic trends. “You’re going to see this increase rapidly out of necessity,” he said. “It has to happen.” As labor shortages persist and immigration policy tightens, robotics and drone deployment are becoming essential, not optional. For now, Europe remains a key origin point for many of these advancements. “You look overseas and there’s really two trends coming our way,” Trent said. One is the move toward sustainable roofing systems; the other is automation, from robots to drone use. These trends, he explained, are gaining traction across both residential and commercial markets. 

John echoed this shift and offered a measured take. “Five years ago, we were behind,” he said of the U.S. robotics landscape. “But now, we’re probably neck and neck.” He pointed out that the real challenge isn’t necessarily the tech, it’s how the culture and market choose to use it. “In Europe, absolutely they're more for preservation and long-lasting roofs where we all know in the United States we are for getting things done. And it's not always a priority for developers and building owners to have long-lasting roofs.” 

That cultural divide could delay widespread AI adoption stateside, even as the tools become more available. But all three panelists agreed: the evolution is inevitable. “I think the first companies in roofing that really embrace automation are going to be pretty interesting,” Denver said. He acknowledged there will be trial and error, but expressed that companies able to integrate tariffs, supply chains, sustainability, regulations and scheduling through advanced technology will gain a competitive edge. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about how global technology trends are transforming the roofing industry!