On-site Autonomous Construction Robots: A review of Research Areas, Technologies, and Suggestions for Advancement

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The use of robotic systems on construction sites can efficiently reduce construction time and increase safety by replacing construction workers in monotonous or dangerous operations. Robots for onsite construction applications are challenging and difficult to implement because of the evolving and unstructured nature of construction sites, the inherent complexity of construction tasks, the uniqueness of products, and labor-intensive modeling and commanding, which require significant human effort and expertise. With the development of datadriven techniques such as machine learning and computer vision, more advanced frameworks and algorithms can be developed to increase the level of adoption in the automation of construction robots. To better understand existing challenges and figure out the best strategies to implement high-level autonomous robotic systems for on-site construction, this study (1) summarizes technologies and algorithms used in construction robots and robotic applications in other industries, (2) discusses potential best usage and development of computer vision and machine learning techniques used in related areas to implement higher-level autonomous construction robotic systems, and (3) suggests a preliminary framework that integrates different technologies, such as vision-based data sensing to collect information, advanced algorithm to detect objects and reconstruct models of the built environment, and reinforcement learning to train robots to self-generate execution plans. This will allow construction robots to navigate and localize on construction sites, recognize and fetch materials, and assemble structures per a simulated plan. The proposed conceptual framework could help with the definition of future research areas utilizing complex robotic systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction, ISARC 2020
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Demonstration to Practical Use - To New Stage of Construction Robot
PublisherInternational Association on Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC)
Pages385-392
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9789529436347
StatePublished - 2020
Event37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction: From Demonstration to Practical Use - To New Stage of Construction Robot, ISARC 2020 - Kitakyushu, Online, Japan
Duration: Oct 27 2020Oct 28 2020

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction, ISARC 2020: From Demonstration to Practical Use - To New Stage of Construction Robot

Conference

Conference37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction: From Demonstration to Practical Use - To New Stage of Construction Robot, ISARC 2020
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityKitakyushu, Online
Period10/27/2010/28/20

Keywords

  • Automation
  • Computer vision
  • Construction robots
  • Reinforcement learning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'On-site Autonomous Construction Robots: A review of Research Areas, Technologies, and Suggestions for Advancement'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this