Prototype robotics in construction industry

As a key technology, construction robots are expected to improve working conditions, reduce accidents, and increase construction productivity. Robotics in the construction industry is a young and fast-growing interdisciplinary field. However, it is only recently that the subject has begun to emerge as a coherent but multidisciplinary activity. Although the construction industry so far has managed to develop highly productive systems without the help of robots, there are specific areas of application in which robots could benefit the industry. This paper describes prototype construction robots developed by a Japanese contractor in the areas of rockwool spraying, concrete and wall finishing, silo lining, and radioactive concrete cutting. Application of these robots in traditional construction sites, and their implementation in new construction fields are discussed. To obtain the full benefit of robots, it is necessary to change the whole construction system like factory automation did in the manufacturing industries. Newly developed construction systems should achieve the building design and construction planning just suited to robots.