@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} } @incollection{IlhanBockLinneretal., author = {Ilhan, Bahriye and Bock, Thomas and Linner, Thomas and Iturralde, Kepa and Pan, Wen and Hu, Rongbo}, title = {Innovative Robotics and Automation for Offsite Manufacturing}, series = {Offsite Production and Manufacturing for Innovative Construction : People, Process and Technology}, booktitle = {Offsite Production and Manufacturing for Innovative Construction : People, Process and Technology}, editor = {Goulding, J. S. and Rahimian, F. P.}, publisher = {Routledge}, address = {London}, isbn = {9781138550711}, doi = {10.1201/9781315147321-13}, abstract = {This chapter presents additional research and development on offsite modular manufacturing of interior subsystems - to transform real estate stock to future demands triggered by demographic challenges, thereby allowing instant deployment. It explores the use of innovative systems for prefabrication. Regarding offsite production and manufacturing, the transformation of parts and low-level components into higher-level components by highly mechanised, automated or robot-supported industrial settings therefore needs to take place. Construction automation for offsite manufacturing, requires the integration of products, organisation, informational aspects, and machine technology in order to maximise efficiency and deliver product quality. A construction-kit cell can confine the production-unit elements in a specific area of the building, yet contain a greater capacity than an upgraded existing environment. A fully robotic construction industry will require significant research and development - of each product, process, and participant of the building production process.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HuPanIturraldeetal., author = {Hu, Rongbo and Pan, Wen and Iturralde, Kepa and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas}, title = {Construction Automation and Robotics for Concrete Construction: Case Studies on Research, Development, and Innovations}, series = {Proceedings of the 40th International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2023), Chennai, India}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 40th International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2023), Chennai, India}, publisher = {IAARC}, isbn = {978-0-6458322-0-4}, issn = {2413-5844}, doi = {10.22260/ISARC2023/0095}, pages = {683 -- 690}, abstract = {The construction industry, supported by the materials industry, is a major user of natural resources. Automation and robotics have the potential to play a key role in the development of circular construction by increasing productivity, reducing waste, increasing safety, and mitigating labor shortages. Starting with a brief synopsis of the history of construction robotics and the concept of robot-oriented design, this article presents exemplary case studies of research projects and entrepreneurial activities in which the authors have participated that have contributed to the advancement of concrete construction. The activities of the authors have systematically led to spin-offs and start-ups, especially in recent years (e.g., CREDO Robotics GmbH, ARE23 GmbH, KEWAZO GmbH, ExlenTec Robotics GmbH, etc.), which shows that the use of construction robots is becoming an important part of the construction industry. With the use of automation and robotics in the built environment especially for concrete construction, current challenges such as the housing shortage can be addressed using the leading machinery and robot technology in Germany and other parts of the world. The knowledge and know-hows gained in these endeavors will lay the groundwork for the next frontier of construction robotics beyond the construction sites.}, language = {en} } @incollection{KuhnFranziusMoelleretal., author = {Kuhn, Alexander and Franzius, Jan Niklas and M{\"o}ller, Dennis and Pralle, Norbert and Reich, Franziska and Hellmuth, Ren{\´e} and Tombeil, Anne-Sophie and Wenzel, G{\"u}nter and Linner, Thomas and Schmailzl, Marc and Hu, Rongbo and Bock, Thomas and Maufroy, Christophe and Kopp, Verena and B{\"o}lke, Nico and Daub, Urban}, title = {Kompetenzzentrum f{\"u}r Baurobotik im Hochbau (CONSAS) - F{\"o}rderkennzeichen 16SV8637}, series = {Roboter f{\"u}r Assistenzfunktionen: Konzeptstudien f{\"u}r die Interaktion in der Praxis}, booktitle = {Roboter f{\"u}r Assistenzfunktionen: Konzeptstudien f{\"u}r die Interaktion in der Praxis}, isbn = {9783731512448}, pages = {169 -- 207}, language = {de} } @incollection{HuIturraldePanetal., author = {Hu, Rongbo and Iturralde, Kepa and Pan, Wen and Linner, Thomas and Bock, Thomas}, title = {Bauautomatisierung und Robotik im Betonbau: Fallstudien zu Forschung, Entwicklung und Innovation}, series = {Beton-Kalender 2024}, booktitle = {Beton-Kalender 2024}, editor = {Bergmeister, Konrad and Fingerloos, Frank and W{\"o}rner, Johann-Dietrich}, publisher = {Ernst \& Sohn}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {978-3-433-03407-1}, pages = {563 -- 573}, language = {de} } @article{MarzaniTondelliKumaetal., author = {Marzani, Giulia and Tondelli, Simona and Kuma, Yuko and Cruz Rios, Fernanda and Hu, Rongbo and Bock, Thomas and Linner, Thomas}, title = {Embedding Circular Economy in the Construction Sector Policy Framework: Experiences from EU, U.S., and Japan for Better Future Cities}, series = {Smart Cities}, volume = {8}, journal = {Smart Cities}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.3390/smartcities8020048}, pages = {48}, abstract = {The transition towards a Circular Economy (CE) in the construction sector is essential to achieving sustainable, inclusive smart cities. This study examines the integration of CE principles into construction policies across four key global contexts: the European Union (focusing on Italy and Germany), the United States, and Japan. Through a comparative policy analysis, the research identifies best practices, implementation barriers, and the role of digitalization in advancing CE strategies. In Europe, CE is embedded in policy frameworks such as the Green Deal and the New Circular Economy Action Plan, driving the shift toward sustainable urban development. The United States, while in the early stages of CE adoption, is fostering circular initiatives at local levels, particularly in waste management and building deconstruction. Japan's policy landscape integrates CE within a broader strategy for resource efficiency, emphasizing technological innovation. The findings highlight the necessity of a research-driven approach to inform policies that leverage digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling and Digital Product Passports, to enhance material traceability and urban circularity. This study contributes to the global effort of designing smart cities that are not only technologically advanced but also environmentally and socially sustainable through the adoption of CE principles in the built environment.}, language = {en} } @incollection{LinnerSchmailzlBocketal., author = {Linner, Thomas and Schmailzl, Marc and Bock, Thomas and Hu, Rongbo and G{\"u}ttler, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Active Assisted Living Technology in the Context of the Built Environment}, series = {The Routledge Companion to Ecological Design Thinking: Healthful Ecotopian Visions for Architecture and Urbanism}, booktitle = {The Routledge Companion to Ecological Design Thinking: Healthful Ecotopian Visions for Architecture and Urbanism}, publisher = {Routledge}, address = {New York}, doi = {10.4324/9781003183181-50}, pages = {10}, language = {en} } @incollection{HuBockLuetal., author = {Hu, Rongbo and Bock, Thomas and Lu, Yuan and Linner, Thomas}, title = {A Procedure Model for Developing Gerontechnological Solutions to Achieve Demographic Sustainability in Aging Society}, series = {Sustainable Engeneering}, booktitle = {Sustainable Engeneering}, editor = {Dunmade, Israel Sunday and Daramola, Michael Olawale and Green Energy and Technology,}, publisher = {Springer}, isbn = {978-3-031-47214-5}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-47215-2_26}, pages = {449 -- 475}, abstract = {Population aging is arguably one of the most serious challenges facing human society. It is not only a severe crisis in the developed world but also a rigorous threat to emerging economies. Therefore, vigorous measures need to be taken to mitigate the impact of aging society. This chapter proposes a procedure model as the foundation to systematically develop gerontechnological solutions. Based on the analysis of the state-of-the-art assistive smart furniture and smart home solutions and the requirements of older adults, a service system called Ambient Rehabilitation Kit that transforms clinical and care environments into personalized modular sensing, prevention, and intervention systems was proposed, encouraging older adults to become healthier through various activities. To achieve that goal, several modular smart interior devices integrating advanced sensing and assistive technologies were developed which seamlessly materialize the care concepts and functionality. Meanwhile, a strategy for testing and exhibiting the system was proposed. Furthermore, this chapter also introduces a framework for the cost-benefit analysis of the gerontechnological solutions compared to traditional care methods. Finally, in order to mitigate the severe threat imposed by rapid population aging to the social sustainability of emerging economies, the prospects for implementing the Ambient Rehabilitation Kit in China's market are discussed, and a research and development action plan is proposed based on the results of a nationwide opinion survey.}, language = {en} }