Purpose Because of the sharply growing interest worldwide of “hard” physical-mechanical robot systems for the execution of on-site construction tasks [i.e. single-task construction robots (STCRs)], the purpose of this study is to equip development projects with a systematic design-management system model that allows to integrate the different needs and aims of stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes a STCR-technology management system (STCR-TMS) for the complete development cycle of STCR designs. The STCR-TMS is based on established principles from systems engineering and management and STCR-specific activities developed and tested by the authors as standalone elements in previous research work. Findings The application of the STCR-TMS revealed the practicability of the method and the underlying concepts to provide practical guidance for the development process. Additional findings indicate that the method is sufficiently generic and flexible for application to different types of robots and indifferent world regions. This research has also shown that key activities need to be addressed to increase the practicability of the STCR-TMS. Originality/value A unique characteristic of this method is the evolution with each utilization cycle. In addition, individual elements are interchangeable and can be adapted based on external circumstances. These properties allow the TMS to be applied to other fields in construction robotics. With the progression of the verification and validation of the method, know-how and certain elements can be fed into standardization activities (e.g. establishing a management system standard).

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Exoskeletons can be seen as an archetype of a truly sustainable manufacturing technology since they empower human beings rather than aiming at their substitution. Exoskeletons have been characterized by rapid technological advances in the last decade, as well as an increase of activities attempting to develop feasible usage scenarios for many industries. However, usage concepts for this technology in the construction industry are still rare. This contrasts with the fact that exoskeletons are theoretically ideal for labor intensive industries such as construction. Therefore, in the study presented in this paper, we made a first attempt to conceptually bridge the gap between exoskeleton typologies and construction tasks so as to provide guidance for future target oriented scenarios and technology development. We utilized the Hong Kong housing construction industry as a case study. Consequently, we developed a construction specific classification of exoskeletons and analyzed the suitability and applicability of the resulting exoskeleton types for Hong Kong's housing construction tasks. Our study identified, amongst others, hotspot task areas with high appropriateness for exoskeleton use, task areas with similar needs and usage patterns regarding exoskeletons. Furthermore, our study sheds light on the regimes and rationales behind the identified appropriateness levels. Based on our findings, a set of basic guidelines was developed to support and govern future research and development activities targeting the exoskeleton usage in construction.

Recently, the accurate prefabricated Curtain Wall Modules (CWM) used as building facade are gaining popularity around the world. However, the conventional manual procedure for installation of CWM is dangerous for labour work. More so, it is a time consuming and expensive task. Automation of the CWM installation using a cable robot is an alternatively faster and safer method. The cost saved due to shorter installation time would compensate for initial investment costs of the robotic systems. However, for CWM installation, the cable robot and its modular end-effector (MEE) need to perform several tasks such as positioning within 1 mm accuracy, drilling, installing bracket (connectors), and handling and positioning the CWMs. However, there is no such robotic solution currently available on the market. As a probable solution to CWM installations, the European project "HEPHAESTUS" is designing a cable robot-based automatic system capable of 1 mm positioning accuracy, while performing other tasks such as drilling on the building. Meanwhile, it could carry nearly a tonne in payload in an outdoor environment. As a design phase in this paper, five different conceptual scenarios for such complicated automatic installation process conducted by a cable robot are introduced. The possible concepts are assessed using the Delphi method. Finally, the accuracy, safety, and installation time of the selected scenarios are comparable to the conventional manual procedure of CWM installation. In the future, these systems further improve within the HEPHAESTUS project framework.

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