Framework for construction robot fleet management system

The application of robotic equipment to the execution of construction tasks is gaining the attention of researchers and practitioners around the world. Numerous working prototype systems have been developed by construction companies or system manufacturers and implemented on construction job sites. Several Japanese construction firms have already developed a fleet of construction robots. As a response to the need to manage effectively diverse robots on future construction sites, this paper describes the architecture for the construction robotic equipment management system (CREMS). A generic decision logic for comparison of conventional work methods and available robotics for the performance of construction tasks is outlined. Modules comprising the system and the interrelationships between the system modules are presented. A logic for comparison of use of one robot on concurrent, mutually exclusive projects is discussed. An example application of CREMS to a concrete floor finishing robot evaluation is presented.