Procon Brings Robotics Technology to Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminal 5 Expansion

Following a successful pilot, Procon and Teleworker AI are bringing robotic 360-degree capture to active construction monitoring at Cruise Terminal 5

MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Procon Consulting, LLC (Procon), a construction management and technology consulting firm, has partnered with the Canaveral Port Authority to expand the use of robotic reality capture during construction at Cruise Terminal 5. The work is underway following a successful pilot that demonstrated how a four-legged robot could document changing site conditions through repeatable 360-degree capture walks.

The $78 million expansion and renovation will nearly double the terminal's size, from 90,000 to 170,000 square feet, to accommodate the world's largest cruise ships and enhance the passenger experience.

Using a robotic platform nicknamed "Sparky," Procon is providing Port Canaveral and its project teams with more frequent visual documentation of construction progress while reducing the time spent on routine site walks.

"Port Canaveral is making a major investment in its cruise facilities, and its project team needs a reliable view of progress as construction moves forward," said Jason Lopez, Senior Vice President of Procon. "Regular reality capture can help teams spot differences earlier, resolve questions faster and maintain better records. That value extends beyond construction: an accurate visual record of facility conditions can help facilities teams plan maintenance, troubleshoot issues and coordinate repairs more efficiently, helping minimize downtime, avoid unnecessary costs and keep operations running smoothly. That is the practical, long-term value we want to deliver through this work."

"Port Canaveral has always been a pioneer in utilizing data-driven tools to enhance our operations and provide a high-quality experience for our partners and guests," said Bill Crowe, Port Canaveral's Vice President of Engineering & Construction. "Working with Procon gives our team access to ongoing construction progress documentation throughout the course of Cruise Terminal 5 expansion and renovation, one of the most complex projects ever undertaken at the Port."  

From a Successful Pilot to Active Deployment

The earlier pilot grew out of Procon's construction robotics research with Virginia Tech's Myers-Lawson School of Construction. The Multi-Agent Robotic System for Inspection On Site (MARIO) initiative explores how robots and remote monitoring can help project teams collect and use field information.

Procon is working with Teleworker AI, which developed components of the camera payload used for robotic reality capture. Teleworker's team also worked with Procon on assembly and setup, helping prepare the robot for deployment with limited hands-on intervention. The collaboration combines Teleworker's robotics expertise with Procon's understanding of construction workflows and the information Owners need.

"On a project like Cruise Terminal 5, a lot can change in a single day," said Stephen DeVito, CM-BIM, Director of Technology at Procon. "Daily capture gives the team a clearer record of what happened and when. That can help resolve questions about progress or site conditions before they turn into larger issues, while freeing staff to focus on work that needs their attention."

What Port Canaveral Gains

With Sparky conducting regular capture walks, Port Canaveral can compare site conditions over time, monitor progress between in-person visits and identify issues while they are easier to address. The resulting record can also help verify completed work and provide documentation if questions arise about schedule, change orders or construction claims.

The project is testing these benefits under real operating conditions. Procon is evaluating capture frequency, reliability and usefulness to the project team. The findings will help inform future uses of robotics on complex capital projects.

Procon's robotics work will be featured during Port Canaveral's 2026 State of the Port presentation on Thursday, November 19.  Sparky will take center stage ahead of the introduction of Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray.

About Procon

Procon Consulting, LLC is a construction management and technology consulting firm helping Owners plan, deliver and manage complex facilities and infrastructure. Through integrated capabilities in Construction & Program Management, Technology Solutions, Engineering & Technical Services, Risk Management & Claims Control, Project Controls and Facility Management, Procon provides the expertise, insight and tools needed to deliver better project and facility outcomes. Learn more at www.procon.com.

About Port Canaveral

Led by the elected five-member Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners and CEO Capt. John W. Murray, Port Canaveral is Florida's Premier Seaport with diverse business operations that include cruise, cargo, recreation and real estate, while serving as a supporting partner for commercial fishing and aerospace enterprises. Port Canaveral hosts more than 9 million cruise passenger movements and handles nearly 6 million tons of cargo annually, including bulk, break-bulk, project, heavy lift and containerized. The Port continues to build upon its leadership position as a gateway for global commerce through innovative initiatives like the Port Canaveral Advantage, a five-year, more than $1 billion capital investment program committed to improvements for all facets of its operations. For more information, visit www.PortCanaveral.com.

SOURCE Procon Consulting LLC