Current State of Automation and Robotics in Construction

The United Slates lacks in the research and development of robots and construction automation. In comparison, construction companies in Japan take more aggressive stand in the research and development of this technology. This paper studies both Japan and US basic construction activities, research and development, social implications , automation technology, and construction robots economic feasibility. Construction robot productivity is always higher when materials are standardized, and repetition activities are involved. Improving productivity, reducing manpower, shortening construction time, reduction of costs, improving quality, improving work conditions, safety, and benefits to the environment are presented in this paper.

Proceedings of the 13th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction, 1996

Construction automation and robotics research in the United States has been part of the academic and industrial R&D effort since early 1980's. First construction robot and related protptypes were developed in 1982-83. Since then, approx. 10 R&D centers nationwide are engaged in robot hardware development for construction and hazardous waste site applications. However, software development and applications related to automation of structural design, designconstruction integration, construction planning and efficient execution of construction tasks are more prevalent in the AEC industry and in leading academic institutions in the U.S. Key issues for future R&D include redesign of construction tasks to take advantage of available advanced technologies, practical application of knowledge based systems in various construction project scenarios, utilization of innovative computational approaches to construction task decision support, and challenges of improved system integration solutions for optimal functionality of construction software and hardware.

As a first step in detailed assessment, this research analyzes selected attributes of 85 existing construction automation and robotics technologies to examine certain trends in the development of construction technologies and the attributes of the technologies which can influence their use by construction companies. In general, previously identified priorities for automation are close to being fulfilled, and correspond with opportunities for adoption. Most of the technologies concentrate on areas of identified benefits, and attempt to reduce the complexity associated with adoption through only minims changes in tasks. In the same way, complement changes required to use the technologies are kept at a minimum overall. This analysis is used to identify further opportunities for the development and implementation of construction automation and robotics technologies. 0 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC), 1991

As in a number of Western Countries, the need for automation and robotic application for use in the construction industry in the U.K. has been recognised during the past ten years. The industry is experiencing increasing shortages of skilled labour and an ageing workforce. The industry is also facing demands for higher productivity and improved quality in order, to meet external competition. A number of developments covering many applications are currently in progress in some academic and industrial organisations. The range includes computer aided construction and engineering, enabling technologies and prototype development for a number of devices.

Proceedings of the ... ISARC, 1987

Purdue University research on the application of robotics to construction began in the summer of 1986. It is based on the assumption that construction can benefit from the advanced automation technology available now in manufacturing. The current work activity spans in three directions: a. Design of a prototype Automated Construction Worker (ACW) for the performance of repetitive surface tasks. b. Design and evaluation of Flexible Construction Systems. c. Design of computerized decision aids for robot implementation. Each of these research areas is presented in some detail. The concept of an Automated Construction Worker (ACW) is being developed. The ACW robot will perform a series of similar building surface treatment tasks, utilizing similar process control strategy, but different, adequate for each task, robot-arm tool effectors. This research aims at identifying and performance of the ACW robot system's intermediate and final integration objectives, as well as the testing and simulation of real construction job site work assignments.

Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 2016

This paper deals with studies on various types of robotics, automation and feasibility of their application in construction industry, also comparison of cost benefit between implementation of automation and other manual practices and to improve safety and quality standards in construction using automation. 2. Methodology of Study 2.1 General The methodology process of carrying out this project was performed in the following manner (i) Study on poor

Engineering with Computers, 1987

The effective use of automation is one of the greatest opportunities, as well as one of the greatest challenges, facing the construction industry. The major components of an automation strategy, as considered in this paper, are computer-aided engineering and design (CAE/CAD), computerized data bases, feedback of as-built data, automated materials handling, artificial intelligence, and robotics. This paper first describes the current state of the art of robotics in construction and of artificial intelligence in its future role as the guidance mechanism in robots and its current stand-alone role in the form of expert systems. Then it discusses the central role of the computerized project data base in the integration of project design, construction, and operation. In addition, the paper examines the benefits from the increased use of information technology and automation in construction, the institutional barriers to the development and introduction of this technology by the U.S. construction industry, and the technologies that need to be developed in order to implement successfully computer technology in construction.

35th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC), 2018

This paper discusses the results of a survey regarding state of the art and possible future opportunities for the application of robotic technologies in the construction industry. The survey was conducted by submitting two distinct questionnaires to Arup's1 most experienced technical and business leaders. The first questionnaire was designed in order to understand the state of the art of robotic technologies in the construction industry, while the second one aimed at identifying promising application scenarios from both the industry and the research point of view. The paper discusses how the questionnaires have been designed and presents the corresponding results.

Advanced Engineering Informatics, 2019

Automation and robotics technology is expected to improve the productivity of the construction industry as well as to solve problems such as labor shortage and safety risks, especially for high-rise buildings. Substantial research efforts have been devoted to the field over the past decades, while the application rate at the construction sites is still limited. Although various reviews have summarized the research topics and future trends in this field, few research efforts have been made on a consideration of both academic research and practical application in the industry. Focusing on high-rise building construction, this study explores the development of both academic research and practical application of automation and robotics based on literature and market review. Scientometric and critical literature reviews were conducted to identify and analyze the development of key research areas based on academic publications from the 1980s to present. In the meantime, the development of basic technologies was summarized. The market review surveyed on existing products and developers of construction automation and robotics. By comparing the results of the literature review and market review, four development patterns of academic research and product application were identified, i.e., simultaneous development led by the same party, development at a similar pace with the two sides taking the lead in different aspects, academic research providing basic technologies for product development, and available technologies in academic research with no products found. Then three gaps in this field, i.e., the gap between academic research and products, the gap between products and application, and the gap between the construction industry and the robotics industry, were discussed with corresponding suggestions to narrow the gaps, followed by an outlook for future directions. This study contributes to the knowledge body by identifying and analyzing the key research areas and the development gaps systematically.