@inproceedings{HuLinnerWangetal., author = {Hu, Rongbo and Linner, Thomas and Wang, Suting and Cheng, Wenting and Liu, Xiaolong and G{\"u}ttler, J{\"o}rg and Zhao, Charlie and Lu, Yuan and Bock, Thomas}, title = {Towards a Distributed Intelligent Home Based on Smart Furniture for China's Aging Population}, series = {Proceedings of the 38th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC): 02.11.2021 - 04.11.2021, Dubai, United Arab Emirates}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 38th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC): 02.11.2021 - 04.11.2021, Dubai, United Arab Emirates}, editor = {Feng, Chen and Linner, Thomas and Brilakis, Ioannis}, publisher = {International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC)}, isbn = {978-952-69524-1-3}, doi = {10.22260/ISARC2021/0008}, pages = {41 -- 48}, abstract = {Population aging is one of the major challenges facing the world. In particular, the advent of China's aging society caused by various factors will be a major threat to its future development. Therefore, serious measures need to be taken to achieve its demographic sustainability. Smart furniture can be considered as a novel subcategory of gerontechnology. One of the main outcomes of the EU-funded REACH project was a variety of smart furniture named Personalized Intelligent Interior Units (PI2Us) which served as the key component of a distributed intelligent home to promote the health and activity level of older adults. This outcome can potentially be a solution to mitigate the consequences caused by population aging. In order to understand the attitudes and opinions of Chinese older adults towards the relevant technologies, the authors conducted an opinion survey using the PI2Us as an example, which sampled more than 380 older adults in 26 out of 34 provincial-level administrative divisions of China. The survey showed that Chinese older adults in general have a highly positive attitude towards smart furniture and smart home technologies. Several other insights also can be revealed from the survey. Based on further analyses, the paper summarized why the elderly-oriented smart furniture and distributed intelligent home has the potential to thrive in China's market soon. Finally, a three-year project action plan for implementing localized solutions in cooperation with a large Chinese furniture manufacturer was presented.}, language = {en} } @article{IturraldeLinnerBock, author = {Iturralde, Kepa and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas}, title = {Matching kit interface for building refurbishment processes with 2D modules}, series = {Automation in Construction}, volume = {110}, journal = {Automation in Construction}, number = {February}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.autcon.2019.103003}, abstract = {A need exists for faster installation of prefabricated modules in the refurbishment market. Current solutions for installing and fitting prefabricated modules on existing buildings are time consuming. The objective of this research is to reduce the time currently required for the installation of timber-based 2D modules by using innovative technologies while improving placement accuracy. A novel installation concept was proposed based on a digitally produced matching kit interface that corrects existing building's irregularities and connector placement deviations. This solution was tested, validated, and compared in several manufacturing contexts. The tests recorded measurable variables such as the manufacturing time and placement accuracy of the modules. The results demonstrate decreases up to 73\% in installation time and placement deviations of less than 2 mm.}, language = {en} } @article{CheahBockCaoetal., author = {Cheah, Chien Chern and Bock, Thomas and Cao, Jianfu and Linner, Thomas and Liu, Yun-Hui and Yamashita, Atsushi and Yang, Liman}, title = {Guest Editorial Introduction to the Focused Section on Mechatronics and Automation for Constructions}, series = {IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics}, volume = {26}, journal = {IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics}, number = {6}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/TMECH.2021.3127237}, pages = {2819 -- 2825}, abstract = {Rapid advances in modern technologies have completely revolutionized many industries in recent years. It is anticipated that mechatronic and automation technologies would play an important role in transforming the construction industry to embrace for the fourth industrial revolution. However, construction automation problems bring up new research challenges that diverge from traditional methods. Unlike the factory environment, which is typically structured and predictable, construction sites are dynamic places where the working environment is unstructured and always changing. Due to lack of skilled labor, time and cost overruns, quality deficiencies, and the recent pandemics, mechatronic and automation technologies offer solutions for future safe, rapid, performative, prize worthy, and digitally protocolled construction projects. The coexistence of human workers, heavy vehicles, varying environmental conditions, and automated mechatronic systems also make safe human-machine interaction an important issue. Beyond expertise in a specific discipline, construction automation also requires multidisciplinary expertise to integrate with various fields, such as Internet of Things (IOT), robotics and its construction oriented subsystems, adaptive/robust control, machine vision, sensing technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and building/construction/process information modeling (BIM/CIM/PIM) for automated construction process management and design. The main aims of this focused section in the IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics (TMECH) are to document the current state of the art in mechatronics and automation for constructions, and to present new results in several emerging research areas.}, language = {en} } @article{IturraldeFeuchtIllneretal., author = {Iturralde, Kepa and Feucht, Malte and Illner, Daniel and Hu, Rongbo and Pan, Wen and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas and Eskudero, Ibon and Rodriguez, Mariola and Gorrotxategi, Jose and Izard, Jean-Baptizste and Astudillo, Julen and Cavalcanti Santos, Jo{\~a}o. and Gouttefarde, Marc and Fabritius, Marc and Martin, Christoph and Henninge, Tomas and Normes, Stein M. and Jacobsen, Yngve and Pracucci, Alessandro and Ca{\~n}ada, Jesus and Jimenez-Vicaria, Jose David and Alonso, Rub{\´e}n and Elia, Lorenzo}, title = {Cable-driven parallel robot for curtain wall module installation}, series = {Automation in Construction}, volume = {138}, journal = {Automation in Construction}, number = {June}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104235}, abstract = {A cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) was developed for the installation of curtain wall modules (CWM). The research addressed the question of whether the CDPR was capable installing CWMs with sufficient accuracy while being competitive compared to conventional manual methods. In order to develop and test such a system, a conceptual framework that consisted of three sub-systems was defined. The tests, carried out in two close-to-real demonstration buildings, revealed an absolute accuracy of the CWM installation of 4 to 23 mm. The working time for installing a CWM was reduced to 0.51 h. The results also show that the system is competitive for a workspace greater than 96 m2 compared to conventional manual methods. However, improvements such as reducing the hours for setting up the CDPR on the one hand and achieving a faster and more robust MEE on the other hand will be still necessary in the future.}, language = {en} } @incollection{IturraldePanLinneretal., author = {Iturralde, Kepa and Pan, Wen and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas}, title = {Automation and robotic technologies in the construction context: research experiences in prefabricated fa{\c{c}}ade modules}, series = {Rethinking building skins : Transformative technologies and research trajectories}, booktitle = {Rethinking building skins : Transformative technologies and research trajectories}, editor = {Gasparri, Eugenia and Brambilla, Arianna and Lobaccaro, Gabriele and Goia, Francesco}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Cambridge, MA}, isbn = {9780128224779}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-822477-9.00009-7}, pages = {475 -- 493}, abstract = {In recent years, there has been an increase in robots that perform activities in the built environment. In this chapter, projects were featured as case studies to demonstrate the potential of using automation and robotic technologies to facilitate building fa{\c{c}}ade installation tasks. The Building Energy Renovation Through Timber-Prefabricated Modules (BERTIM) and the Highly automatEd PHysical Achievements and performancES using cable roboTs Unique Systems (HEPHAESTUS) research projects consist of researching, developing and prototyping different automated solutions for the handling of building envelopes in various processes of the installation sequence. The BERTIM research project focuses on building envelope upgrading, automated building fa{\c{c}}ade manufacturing, while the HEPHAESTUS research project is focused on the cable-driven parallel robot for the installation of curtain wall modules. Both projects have proved the potential use of new technologies for the installation of prefabricated envelopes and reduced working time and costs during installation.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{IturraldeFeuchtHuetal., author = {Iturralde, Kepa and Feucht, Malte and Hu, Rongbo and Pan, Wen and Schlandt, Marcel and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas and Izard, Jean-Baptizste and Eskudero, Ibon and Rodriguez, Mariola and Gorrotxategi, Jose and Astudillo, Julen and Cavalcanti Santos, Jo{\~a}o. and Gouttefarde, Marc and Fabritius, Marc and Martin, Christoph and Henninge, Tomas and Stein, M. Nornes and Normes, Stein M. and Jacobsen, Yngve and Pracucci, Alessandro and Ca{\~n}ada, Jesus and Jimenez-Vicaria, Jose David and Paulotto, Carlo and Alonso, Rub{\´e}n and Elia, Lorenzo}, title = {A Cable Driven Parallel Robot with a Modular End Effector for the Installation of Curtain Wall Modules (Best Paper Award)}, series = {Proceedings of the 37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2020): From Demonstration to Practical Use, To New Stage of Construction Robot, October 27-28, 2020, Kitakyushu, Japan}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2020): From Demonstration to Practical Use, To New Stage of Construction Robot, October 27-28, 2020, Kitakyushu, Japan}, editor = {Tateyama, Kazuyoshi and Ishii, Kazuo and Inoue, Fumihiro}, publisher = {The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (I.A.A.R.C.)}, isbn = {978-952-94-3634-7}, doi = {10.22260/ISARC2020/0204}, pages = {1472 -- 1479}, abstract = {The installation of curtain wall modules (CWMs) is a risky activity carried out in the heights and often under unfavorable weather conditions. CWMs are heavy prefabricated walls that are lifted normally with bindings and cranes. High stability is needed while positioning in order not to damage the fragile CWMs. Moreover, this activity requires high precision while positioning brackets, the modules, and for that reason, intensive survey and marking are necessary. In order to avoid such inconveniences, there were experiences to install fa{\c{c}}ade modules in automatic mode using robotic devices. In the research project HEPHAESTUS, a novel system has been developed in order to install CWMs automatically. The system consists of two subsystems: a cable driven parallel robot (CDPR) and a set of robotic tools named as Modular End Effector (MEE). The platform of the CDPR hosts the MEE. This MEE performs the necessary tasks of installing the curtain wall modules. There are two main tasks that the CDPR and MEE need to achieve: first is the fixation of the brackets onto the concrete slab, and second is the picking and placing of the CWMs onto the brackets. The first integration of the aforementioned system was carried out in a controlled environment that resembled a building structure. The results of this first test show that there are minor deviations when positioning the CDPR platform. In future steps, the deviations will be compensated by the tools of the MEE and the installation of the CWM will be carried out with the required accuracy automatically.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HuKaboutehPawlitzaetal., author = {Hu, Rongbo and Kabouteh, Amir and Pawlitza, Katja and G{\"u}ttler, J{\"o}rg and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas}, title = {Developing Personalized Intelligent Interior Units to Promote Activity and Customized Healthcare for Aging Society}, series = {Proceedings of the 36th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2019), 21.05.2019-24.05.2019, Banff, Canada}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 36th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2019), 21.05.2019-24.05.2019, Banff, Canada}, editor = {Al-Hussein, Mohamed}, publisher = {The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction}, isbn = {978-952-69524-0-6}, doi = {10.22260/ISARC2019/0032}, pages = {234 -- 241}, abstract = {The world's population is aging at an unprecedented pace. Aging society is not only a severe crisis in the developed world such as Germany and Japan, but also a rigorous challenge in emerging economies such as China. Many age-related diseases are fostered by the lack of physical, cognitive, and social activities. Increasing the activity level has many benefits for the elderly and can improve their independence. The research project REACH (funded by European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under grant agreement No. 690425) aims to develop a service system that will turn clinical and care environments into personalized modular sensing, prevention, and intervention systems that encourage the elderly to become healthy through activities (e.g., physical, cognitive, socializing, personalized food, etc.). As a core research partner, the Chair of Building Realization and Robotics at Technical University of Munich developed a series of Personalized Intelligent Interior Units (PI²Us), which are a special type of smart furniture, that materialize the REACH concepts and functionality seamlessly into the different REACH use case settings. Specifically, the design and functions of the PI²Us, which consist of the PI²U-SilverArc, PI²U-MiniArc, PI²U-Bed, and PI²U-iStander, will be described in detail. In addition, a modular apartment integrating all PI²Us and key technologies in REACH is designed and simulated to create a total interior living and care environment for elderly users. Due to its modularity, parts of the apartment can be easily adapted and rapidly deployed in different REACH use case settings in four European countries, which will then help the REACH consortium execute a series of testing activities. In conclusion, this research project provides a systematic and innovative example for the world to mitigate the impact of aging society.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HuLinnerSchmailzletal., author = {Hu, Rongbo and Linner, Thomas and Schmailzl, Marc and G{\"u}ttler, J{\"o}rg and Lu, Yuan and Bock, Thomas}, title = {Exploring Gerontechnology for Aging-Related Diseases in Design Education: An Interdisciplinary Perspective}, series = {Proceedings of the 37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2020): From Demonstration to Practical Use, To New Stage of Construction Robot, October 27-28, 2020, Kitakyushu, Japan}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2020): From Demonstration to Practical Use, To New Stage of Construction Robot, October 27-28, 2020, Kitakyushu, Japan}, editor = {Tateyama, Kazuyoshi and Ishii, Kazuo and Inoue, Fumihiro}, publisher = {The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (I.A.A.R.C.)}, isbn = {978-952-94-3634-7}, doi = {10.22260/ISARC2020/0102}, pages = {735 -- 742}, abstract = {Aging society is not only a crisis in the developed world but also a severe challenge in some emerging economies. However, the awareness of population aging and gerontechnology is far from sufficiently addressed in the architectural design education in universities. Therefore, an interdisciplinary approach in design education is urgently needed to raise the awareness of the aging crisis among the future architects, interior designers, and beyond. This article introduces a novel model of a design seminar offered by a German University, addressing population aging issues in the architecture department. The syllabus, formality, and the expected results of the seminar are revealed in detail. The participants are encouraged to apply interdisciplinary knowledge such as barrier-free architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, medicine, psychology, and business to achieve the goals of the seminar. Based on the originality and degree of completion, several students' works are selected and reported, targeting a variety of diseases or syndromes related to aging, such as dementia, immobility, and tremors. Overall, participants of this seminar are motivated and have positive feedback on this seminar, oftentimes claiming that they have seldom studied similar topics in previous architecture education. This enables students from architecture as well as other fields to be better prepared to tackle the upcoming challenges such as labor shortages and infectious diseases in a rapidly aging world. Furthermore, the seminar creates novel concepts that serve as a win-win "honeypot" for both students and their instructors, potentially sparking research topics and start-ups with concepts fostered in this seminar.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{PanHuLinneretal., author = {Pan, Wen and Hu, Rongbo and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas}, title = {Developing a roadmap for implementing on-site construction automation and robotics in Hong Kong}, series = {CIB World Building Congress 2019 "Constructing Smart Cities" ; 17.06.2019-21.06.2019, Hong Kong, China}, booktitle = {CIB World Building Congress 2019 "Constructing Smart Cities" ; 17.06.2019-21.06.2019, Hong Kong, China}, abstract = {For a long time, the conventional construction sector in Hong Kong has been perceived as old-fashioned and lagging behind compared to many other industrial sectors. Numerous challenges are facing the construction industry, such as diminishing productivity, unstable quality, increasing demand, as well as population aging and shortage in the local labor market. One possible solution is to identify and deploy the state-of-the-art technologies that could potentially be implemented in the Hong Kong construction industry. Many studies have been documented about the design and development of a specific construction robotic system. However, there is limited literature on how to investigate the implementation and integration of a range of proposed systems in a specific, local context, and to evaluate the process and impact from short-term, mid-term, and long-term perspectives. Based on the ongoing consultancy project commissioned by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) in Hong Kong, this paper demonstrates the method adopted in proposing a systematic approach as well as the development of a comprehensive roadmap for implementing on-site construction automation and robotic technologies in the context of Hong Kong. In general, the proposed roadmap, which is structured based on the reviews of the current situation in Hong Kong's construction industry, will evaluate short-term and mid-term practical strategies and action plans. Furthermore, it will forecast a long-term perspective, aspirations, and potential business strategy. The activity of road-mapping is extended with the objective to mitigate existing risks and barriers, and to plan ahead. Eventually, it will serve as a guideline for the construction industry in Hong Kong and beyond to execute similar types of projects in the future.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{PanIturraldeHuetal., author = {Pan, Wen and Iturralde, Kepa and Hu, Rongbo and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas}, title = {Adopting Off-site Manufacturing, and Automation and Robotics Technologies in Energy-efficient Building}, series = {Proceedings of the 37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2020): From Demonstration to Practical Use, To New Stage of Construction Robot, Kitakyushu, Japan, October 27-28, 2020}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 37th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2020): From Demonstration to Practical Use, To New Stage of Construction Robot, Kitakyushu, Japan, October 27-28, 2020}, editor = {Tateyama, Kazuyoshi and Ishii, Kazuo and Inoue, Fumihiro}, publisher = {The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (I.A.A.R.C.)}, isbn = {978-952-94-3634-7}, doi = {10.22260/ISARC2020/0215}, pages = {1549 -- 1555}, abstract = {Delivering energy-efficient buildings or settlements has become a popular topic amongst architects, engineers, and building engineering physicists. There are many methods for improving building energy performances, both for new build projects and for retrofitting existing buildings. However, the construction industry faces some profound challenges to satisfy the increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings or other solutions and to be able to offer them at an affordable cost. A holistic approach has been adopted to validate whether automation robotics and off-site manufacturing technologies can yield positive changes in the delivery of energy-efficient buildings. This paper emphasizes the potential transformations and possible impacts on the design, construction, and installation process of an energy-efficient building once the advanced technologies are implemented. This paper also highlights case studies in multiple ongoing or past European Union (EU) Horizon 2020 research projects as well as private projects to demonstrate the applicability and technical feasibility of the proposed solution. The scenario proposed was used to demonstrate how to apply the proposal in a large-scale residential building project. In addition, the findings from this study will serve as proof of the concept of a larger research project, or as an inspiration for the construction industry to execute energy-efficient building projects in the future.}, language = {en} }