VR-based training methods in enhancing communication within human-robot teams in construction

The integration of robots into construction sites, propelled by advancements in robotic technologies, has generated interest in its application to transform the construction sector in terms of safety, productivity, and the quality of work. This human-robot collaboration is seen as beneficial, allowing humans to focus on tasks beyond the capabilities of robots. However, its implications for an already fragmented construction work environment and varying perceptions of robot adoption remain a concern. Despite the potential advantages of human-robot teaming (HRT), insights into challenges associated with traditional human-human teaming, such as adapting to flexible and responsive work setups, communication issues, suggest that the complexities of human-to-human relationships will be exacerbated in human-to-robot collaboration. Based on an experimental study of Virtual reality-based human-robot collaboration of 42 participants, this paper investigates how VR-based training methods enhance communication among human team members in the context of using robots in construction. It explicitly addresses communication breakdowns using the computer-mediated communication (CMC) theory, emphasizing the impact of these disparities on flexible HRT work arrangements and how they contribute to challenges in effective collaboration.