Intelligent Construction Equipment and Robotics

Abstract

With recent advancement in software, hardware, and computing technologies, applications of intelligent equipment and robots (IER) are growing in the construction industry. This chapter aims to review key advantages, use cases and barriers of adopting IER in construction and renovation projects. The chapter evaluates the maturity of available IER technologies in the market and discusses the key concerns and barriers for adopting IER such as the unstructured and dynamic nature of construction sites limiting mobility and communication of IER, hazards of human-robot interactions, training and skills required for operating and collaborating with IER, and cybersecurity concerns. Finally, the chapter proposes a framework for implementing IER that helps in their benefits by defining relevant metrics while considering their pitfalls in terms of quality, safety, time, and cost. This framework assists practitioners in decision-making for adopting IER in their construction operation.