Advanced robotics in civil engineering and construction

The goal of research in developing construction robot is to build robots which are more flexible, adjustable, and able to cope with constantly changing construction environments. Research and development in construction robots is intended to extend present capabilities of conventional equipment to an integrated and fully automated system. An ancillary benefit of this type of research is an understanding of the key problems that need to be solved in construction engineering. As with any technology, new solutions bring new problems. One of the most serious problems currently facing automation in the construction industry is the integration of information. This integration must occur in a cost effective and productive manner without loss of current construction functionality. These robots represent the integration of many different ideas and technologies into a working system. The challenge of building construction robots is a challenge of integrating not only robot components, but also of integrating construction experiences, ideas, and technology.<>