PORTLAND, Ore. — For the crews building America’s sprawling new AI data centers, the work has always been about precision and speed. But lately, there is another concern that keeps project managers up at night: theft. Copper spools, server racks, and other high-value construction materials have become prime targets at sites across the country.
In response, the companies that build these facilities are pouring money into a new generation of security measures, from drones in the sky to security robots rolling through darkened job sites at night. Turner Construction and DPR Construction, two of the largest builders of AI data centers, have already deployed 24/7 surveillance, motion-activated cameras, and drone patrols at their project sites in 2024 and 2025, according to industry reports.
Some locations now use AI-powered video analytics that can automatically flag unauthorized access, alerting security teams in real time. The price tag for these upgrades is significant. Industry estimates put the cost of enhanced security at between 2 and 5 percent of total construction costs.
High-value equipment like copper spools and server racks are now being fitted with GPS trackers, allowing security teams to monitor their location at all times. Security guards at these sites are required to check the identification of every worker and visitor who enters the premises.
A robot on the night shift
In Hillsboro, Oregon, one data center construction site has taken an especially futuristic approach. A security robot built by Knightscope now patrols the site at night, rolling silently through the perimeter while its cameras and sensors scan for intruders. The robot is part of a broader trend.
The security industry for data centers is expected to grow to $10 billion by 2026, fueled by the rising value of the materials stored at these sites and the increasing sophistication of the thieves who target them. Insurance premiums have also become a major factor.
For construction sites in high-theft areas, premiums have risen 20 percent, according to industry data. The new security measures are designed not only to deter theft but also to help bring those costs back down.
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