Trends in Robotics and Automation in Construction

Abstract

This chapter presented the summarised -state-of-the-art in the area of robotics and automation in construction focusing on the new robots development and machine automation. This area of robot development was very strong during 90s. However actual research and development in the RAC is more focused on new emerging technologies and mainly based on software and IT technologies. This is based on the software integration, simulation and Virtual Reality environments, sensor-based monitoring and tracking, part-oriented construction, etc. These examples are the most representatives but are not exclusive of others. It is important to mention that software and It technologies in RAC include other important applications such as artificial life modelling of the construction process, life cycle engineering, RFID chip-robot interaction, etc. The research in RAC' focus on software and IT technologies does not mean that construction robotics development from the hardware point of view has seen a cessation, but their development is actually slow. Integration and coordination of both hard and soft areas is the objective of the long-term research in the field of RAC. It is important to note that this research focus strategically appeared in several national and regional research programs, like the EU 6th Frame Program and was also supported in the inter-regional global program IMS. In order to rapidly advance in RAC and reach the consolidation period the ideas discussed in the previous section need to be adopted and especially new national and international research programs have to be established.