The Smart Systems Laboratory at Virginia Tech conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing, engineering, and workforce development to shape the future of construction and the built environment. Supported by federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, and industry partners like Trimble Technologies, our work explores how intelligent systems can make construction environments safer, smarter, and more sustainable. We develop decision-support tools, cyber-physical systems, digital twins, and immersive educational technologies to improve workforce health, safety, training, and learning outcomes. Our research integrates artificial intelligence, optimization, advanced sensing, and XR technologies across the following areas: human–robot collaboration and wearable exoskeletons, embodied learning in virtual and augmented environments, real-time safety monitoring with UAVs and computer vision, and cyberlearning strategies that connect students with real-world practice. At its core, the lab aims to empower the construction workforce with the skills, tools, and technologies needed to lead technological innovation in the built environment.