Application of Automation and Robotics Technology in High-Rise Building Construction: An Overview

Abstract

More and more high-rise buildings are being erected in extensively populated countries such as China nowadays with the requirement of higher living standards. However, on the one hand, with the development of aging society, the labor shortage has become a remarkable problem; on the other hand, the danger and difficulties in construction increase significantly with the height of the buildings. Thus, the application of automation and robotics technology is expected to ease such problems and concerns. Up to now, various methods and systems using automation and robotics technology have been proposed to be used in high-rise building construction. This paper summarizes the major advance on the application of automation and robotics technology in high-rise building construction through a literature survey and suggests directions of further research in this field. First of all, the research scope, the method and the results of the literature survey are presented. Then, based on the survey results, the relevant applications are summarized regarding the three parts of high-rise buildings, i.e., earth and foundation work, superstructure erection and faç ade installation. Finally, the future directions and opportunities mentioned in existing research are summarized and discussed. This paper provides a valuable aid in future research and application of automation and robotics technology for high-rise buildings.

Mapping out research focus for robotics and automation research in construction-related studies

“…Today R&D in using R&A in construction to deliver more efficient projects are emanating from different parts of the world. Making a case for the use of R&A in construction, Cai et al (2018) stated that as a result of the ageing population in most countries around the world, there is a huge decrease in the number of young workers on construction sites. This decrease is also not unconnected with the lack of safety and fear associated with construction particularly that of high-rise buildings.…”

“…Previous studies have also emphasised the danger of the construction work as the industry records the highest occurrences of injuries and fatalities on a yearly basis (Aghimien et al , 2018b; Brace and Gibb, 2005; Lipscomb et al , 2006). This obvious situation of lack of labour and non-assurance of the safety of the few available workers has led to the obvious need to leverage machines and robots to replace human effort in construction (Cai et al , 2018). Similarly, Jung et al (2013) and Yoo et al (2012) have noted that the construction industry is a dangerous environment to work in, while the replacement of human effort with robotics can help improve safety and, at the same time, increase quality and productivity.…”

“…Similarly, the construction industry has been adjudged as one of the most dangerous industry as the safety of construction workers are not assured. Every day construction workers execute works that put them in danger of injuries and fatalities (Cai et al , 2018; Brace and Gibb, 2005; Lipscomb et al , 2006). The adoption of robots to conduct these risky jobs under the control of humans can prove highly beneficial to the safe delivery of construction projects (Bahrin et al , 2016; Cottle, 2014).…”

Development Priorities and Key Challenges of Automation and Robotics in High-Rise Building Constructio

“…According to Standard of Construction Classification (GB/T 50840-2013), a national construction standard in China, building construction work can be classified into several categories, including earth and foundation, superstructure, decoration, etc. Considering the features of high-rise buildings and referring to existing reviews on construction automation and robotics [6][7][8][9], we brainstormed possible needs in each category. For influential factors, the themes of reviewed studies are not only limited to construction automation and robotics but also include the application of other information technologies, such as BIM, because they are considered to have common traits and tend to be influenced by similar factors.…”

A technology management system for the development of single-task construction robots

“…As of recently, the development of "hard" physical-mechanical robots for the execution of specific on-site construction tasks (STCRs) have been gaining renewed interest. The interest manifests itself in increased academic research activity (Cai et al, 2018), joint industry-academia collaboration projects (e.g. Cordis, n.d.), and the emergence of start-ups (e.g.…”