TY - CHAP A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Wang, Suting A1 - Cheng, Wenting A1 - Liu, Xiaolong A1 - Güttler, Jörg A1 - Zhao, Charlie A1 - Lu, Yuan A1 - Bock, Thomas ED - Feng, Chen ED - Linner, Thomas ED - Brilakis, Ioannis T1 - Towards a Distributed Intelligent Home Based on Smart Furniture for China's Aging Population BT - A survey T2 - Proceedings of the 38th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC): 02.11.2021 - 04.11.2021, Dubai, United Arab Emirates N2 - 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. KW - Chinese older adults KW - Distributed intelligent home KW - Gerontechnology KW - Population aging KW - Smart furniture KW - Survey Y1 - 2021 SN - 978-952-69524-1-3 U6 - https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2021/0008 SP - 41 EP - 48 PB - International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC) ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - Matching kit interface for building refurbishment processes with 2D modules JF - Automation in Construction N2 - 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. KW - Customization KW - installation KW - prefabrication KW - Refurbishing Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.103003 VL - 110 IS - February PB - Elsevier ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Cheah, Chien Chern A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Cao, Jianfu A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Liu, Yun-Hui A1 - Yamashita, Atsushi A1 - Yang, Liman T1 - Guest Editorial Introduction to the Focused Section on Mechatronics and Automation for Constructions JF - IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics N2 - 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. KW - automation KW - Inspection KW - Mechatronics KW - Robot sensing systems KW - Service robots Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1109/TMECH.2021.3127237 VL - 26 IS - 6 SP - 2819 EP - 2825 PB - IEEE ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Feucht, Malte A1 - Illner, Daniel A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Eskudero, Ibon A1 - Rodriguez, Mariola A1 - Gorrotxategi, Jose A1 - Izard, Jean-Baptizste A1 - Astudillo, Julen A1 - Cavalcanti Santos, João. A1 - Gouttefarde, Marc A1 - Fabritius, Marc A1 - Martin, Christoph A1 - Henninge, Tomas A1 - Normes, Stein M. A1 - Jacobsen, Yngve A1 - Pracucci, Alessandro A1 - Cañada, Jesus A1 - Jimenez-Vicaria, Jose David A1 - Alonso, Rubén A1 - Elia, Lorenzo T1 - Cable-driven parallel robot for curtain wall module installation JF - Automation in Construction N2 - 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. KW - Accuracy KW - Cable-robot KW - Facade KW - On-site Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104235 VL - 138 IS - June PB - Elsevier ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas ED - Gasparri, Eugenia ED - Brambilla, Arianna ED - Lobaccaro, Gabriele ED - Goia, Francesco T1 - Automation and robotic technologies in the construction context: research experiences in prefabricated façade modules T2 - Rethinking building skins : Transformative technologies and research trajectories N2 - 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 façade 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 façade 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. KW - automation KW - end-effector KW - installation KW - prefabrication KW - robot KW - time-reduction Y1 - 2022 SN - 9780128224779 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822477-9.00009-7 SP - 475 EP - 493 PB - Elsevier CY - Cambridge, MA ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Feucht, Malte A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Schlandt, Marcel A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Izard, Jean-Baptizste A1 - Eskudero, Ibon A1 - Rodriguez, Mariola A1 - Gorrotxategi, Jose A1 - Astudillo, Julen A1 - Cavalcanti Santos, João. A1 - Gouttefarde, Marc A1 - Fabritius, Marc A1 - Martin, Christoph A1 - Henninge, Tomas A1 - Stein, M. Nornes A1 - Normes, Stein M. A1 - Jacobsen, Yngve A1 - Pracucci, Alessandro A1 - Cañada, Jesus A1 - Jimenez-Vicaria, Jose David A1 - Paulotto, Carlo A1 - Alonso, Rubén A1 - Elia, Lorenzo ED - Tateyama, Kazuyoshi ED - Ishii, Kazuo ED - Inoue, Fumihiro T1 - A Cable Driven Parallel Robot with a Modular End Effector for the Installation of Curtain Wall Modules (Best Paper Award) T2 - 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 N2 - 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 façade 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. KW - automation KW - Façade KW - On-site KW - Robotics Y1 - 2020 SN - 978-952-94-3634-7 U6 - https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2020/0204 SP - 1472 EP - 1479 PB - The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (I.A.A.R.C.) ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Kabouteh, Amir A1 - Pawlitza, Katja A1 - Güttler, Jörg A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas ED - Al-Hussein, Mohamed T1 - Developing Personalized Intelligent Interior Units to Promote Activity and Customized Healthcare for Aging Society T2 - Proceedings of the 36th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2019), 21.05.2019-24.05.2019, Banff, Canada N2 - 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. Y1 - 2019 SN - 978-952-69524-0-6 U6 - https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2019/0032 SP - 234 EP - 241 PB - The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Schmailzl, Marc A1 - Güttler, Jörg A1 - Lu, Yuan A1 - Bock, Thomas ED - Tateyama, Kazuyoshi ED - Ishii, Kazuo ED - Inoue, Fumihiro T1 - Exploring Gerontechnology for Aging-Related Diseases in Design Education: An Interdisciplinary Perspective T2 - 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 N2 - 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. KW - aging-related diseases KW - Bauhaus 2.0 KW - COVID-19 KW - Dementia KW - Design education KW - Gerontechnology KW - Interdisciplinary Y1 - 2020 SN - 978-952-94-3634-7 U6 - https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2020/0102 SP - 735 EP - 742 PB - The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (I.A.A.R.C.) ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - Developing a roadmap for implementing on-site construction automation and robotics in Hong Kong T2 - CIB World Building Congress 2019 "Constructing Smart Cities" ; 17.06.2019-21.06.2019, Hong Kong, China N2 - 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. KW - Consultancy KW - Hong Kong KW - On-site KW - roadmap KW - Construction automation and robotics Y1 - 2019 UR - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335149370_Developing_a_roadmap_for_implementing_on-site_construction_automation_and_robotics_in_Hong_Kong ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas ED - Tateyama, Kazuyoshi ED - Ishii, Kazuo ED - Inoue, Fumihiro T1 - Adopting Off-site Manufacturing, and Automation and Robotics Technologies in Energy-efficient Building T2 - 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 N2 - 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. KW - Construction robotic KW - Energy-efficient building KW - prefabrication Y1 - 2020 SN - 978-952-94-3634-7 U6 - https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2020/0215 SP - 1549 EP - 1555 PB - The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (I.A.A.R.C.) ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pan, Mi A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Pan, Wei A1 - Cheng, Huimin A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - Structuring the context for construction robot development through integrated scenario approach JF - Automation in Construction N2 - The technological development of construction robots is underway globally. However, current development activities face significant uncertainties, particularly in terms of the definition and management of system requirements, which are primarily based on vague assumptions about the future. Thus, a new tool is required to grasp how construction robots—and their surrounding ecosystems—will be used. This research adopts an unprecedented scenario-based approach to develop and analyze future alternatives for construction robotics in a systematic manner. Hong Kong “toward 2035” is used as an initial test case, and four scenarios of the robot ecosystem, i.e., “Bottleneck,” “Age of Iron Worker,” “Dynamic Co-evolution of Robotization and Modularization,” and “Rise of the Robots,” are developed from evidence-based analysis. Scenarios highlight the crucial role of workers for construction robot utilization. Driving forces, opportunities, and challenges are identified for elaborating strategies under each scenario. The integrated scenario approach and findings lay an important foundation for systems engineering processes in construction robotics to develop a new tool for structuring system context and specifying system requirements. KW - Construction robotics KW - Construction technology KW - Scenario techniques KW - Systems engineering KW - Technology forecasting Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103174 VL - 114 IS - June PB - Elsevier ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Ilhan, Bahriye A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Hu, Rongbo ED - Goulding, J. S. ED - Rahimian, F. P. T1 - Innovative Robotics and Automation for Offsite Manufacturing T2 - Offsite Production and Manufacturing for Innovative Construction : People, Process and Technology N2 - 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. Y1 - 2019 SN - 9781138550711 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315147321-13 PB - Routledge CY - London ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Bulgakov, Alexey A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Otto, Jens A1 - Buzalo, Natalia A1 - Linner, Thomas ED - Tateyama, Kazuyoshi ED - Ishii, Kazuo ED - Inoue, Fumihiro T1 - Requirements for Safe Operation and Facility Maintenance of Construction Robots T2 - 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 N2 - Construction robots are devices of increased danger and, under certain conditions, can become a source of injuries to maintenance personnel, as well as lead to the failure of technological equipment. Most of the accidents are associated with the presence of maintenance personnel in the working area during programming, configuration, training, repair and maintenance of robots. The article describes measures to ensure safety during the maintenance of robots and manipulators. The stages of preparing the construction industry for the use of manipulators, robots and robotic complexes are presented. A system of measures for preparing equipment for use and its maintenance during operation is proposed. KW - Construction Manipulators and Robots KW - Maintenance of Robotic Systems KW - Operation KW - Safety KW - Service Y1 - 2020 SN - 978-952-94-3634-7 U6 - https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2020/0053 SP - 369 EP - 376 PB - The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (I.A.A.R.C.) ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Andersen, Henning Boje, A1 - Bardram, Jakob E. A1 - Maxhuni, Alban A1 - Larsen, Rasmus Tolstrup A1 - Schäpers Barbara, A1 - Krewer, Carmen A1 - Steinböck, Martina A1 - Sprengel, D. A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Schlandt, Marcel A1 - Kabouteh, Amir A1 - Güttler, Jörg A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Lu, Yuan A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - Detailed set of privacy guidelines and schemata: Summarization of the outcome of the development of necessary data privacy and security schemata to (1) protect sensed data; (2) ascertain computational anonymity; (3) ensure privileged intervention access BT - Deliverable submitted as part of the EU H2020 research project REACH (Responsive Engagement of the Elderly promoting Activity and Customized Healthcare), Grant Agreement No. 690425 N2 - Deliverable D32: Detailed set of privacy guidelines and schemata Responsive Engagement of the Elderly promoting Activity and Customized Healthcare 2 Deliverable D32: Detailed set of privacy guidelines and schemata: Summarization of the outcome of the development of necessary data privacy and security schemata to (1) protect sensed data; (2) ascertain computational anonymity; (3) ensure privileged intervention access (associated with task T.7.5). Abstract: This deliverable report examines the outcomes of the REACH research project with regard to data privacy and data security, associated with Task T7.5. This document gives an overview of our analyses involving ethics and privacy concerns in terms of the individual touchpoints and shows how these findings guided the project towards the determination of the medical purpose and intended use-cornerstones to on the path to market entry. In addition, we provide a brief overview of how the guidelines regarding data protection and encryption influenced the technical design and implementation of project components. Furthermore, we provide an update on the management of legal implications (and the implications resulting from this for system requirements and business strategy) of the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the context of REACH solutions, incorporating an external expert opinion. Finally, this deliverable report contains a summary of our approach towards risk gov-ernance and standardization in this regard: our work in REACH on privacy and security schemata, culminated in a CEN Workshop Agreement (guideline) that generalizes REACH outcomes and makes them accessible and usable beyond the REACH consortium . Y1 - 2020 UR - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341355713_Detailed_set_of_privacy_guidelines_and_schemata_Summarization_of_the_outcome_of_the_development_of_necessary_data_privacy_and_security_schemata_to_1_protect_sensed_data_2_ascertain_computational_anony N1 - REACH2020: Responsive Engagement of the Elderly promoting Activity and Customized Healthcare (Horizon 2020, PHC track) ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Zhao, Charlie A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Taghavi, Meysam A1 - Trummer, Julian A1 - Schlandt, Marcel A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - A technology management system for the development of single-task construction robots JF - Construction Innovation N2 - Purpose: Because of the sharply growing interest worldwide of “hard” physical-mechanical robot systems for the execution of on-site construction tasks [i.e. single-task construction robots (STCRs)], the purpose of this study is to equip development projects with a systematic design-management system model that allows to integrate the different needs and aims of stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach: This paper proposes a STCR-technology management system (STCR-TMS) for the complete development cycle of STCR designs. The STCR-TMS is based on established principles from systems engineering and management and STCR-specific activities developed and tested by the authors as standalone elements in previous research work. Findings: The application of the STCR-TMS revealed the practicability of the method and the underlying concepts to provide practical guidance for the development process. Additional findings indicate that the method is sufficiently generic and flexible for application to different types of robots and indifferent world regions. This research has also shown that key activities need to be addressed to increase the practicability of the STCR-TMS. Originality/value:  A unique characteristic of this method is the evolution with each utilization cycle. In addition, individual elements are interchangeable and can be adapted based on external circumstances. These properties allow the TMS to be applied to other fields in construction robotics. With the progression of the verification and validation of the method, know-how and certain elements can be fed into standardization activities (e.g. establishing a management system standard). KW - Construction robotics KW - Construction technology KW - Robotics KW - Systems analysis and design KW - Systems engineering KW - Technology management Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-06-2019-0053 VL - 20 IS - 1 SP - 96 EP - 111 PB - Emerald ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Zhao, Charlie A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Pracucci, Alessandro A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - A Simple Framework for the Cost–Benefit Analysis of Single-Task Construction Robots Based on a Case Study of a Cable-Driven Facade Installation Robot JF - Buildings, Architecture: Integration of Art and Engineering N2 - Single-task construction robots (STCRs) have become a popular research topic for decades. However, there is still a gap in the ubiquitous application of STCRs for onsite construction due to various reasons, such as cost concerns. Therefore, cost–benefit analysis (CBA) can be used to measure the net economic benefit of the STCRs, compared to traditional construction methods, in order to boost the implementation of STCRs. This paper presents a simple and practical framework for the economic evaluation of STCRs and conducts a case study of a cable-driven facade installation robot to verify the method. The results show that the cable-driven robot for facade installation is worth investing in in the UK, as well as in the majority of G20 countries. Furthermore, other socioenvironmental implications of STCRs and the limitations of the study are also discussed. In conclusion, the proposed method is highly adaptable and reproducible. Therefore, researchers, engineers, investors, and policy makers can easily follow and customize this method to assess the economic advantages of any STCR systems, compared to traditional construction technologies. KW - cable-driven parallel robot KW - construction robot KW - cost–benefit analysis KW - curtain wall modules KW - economic evaluation KW - facade installation Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11010008 VL - 11 IS - 1 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Schmailzl, Marc A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Güttler, Jörg T1 - Active Assisted Living Technology in the Context of the Built Environment T2 - The Routledge Companion to Ecological Design Thinking: Healthful Ecotopian Visions for Architecture and Urbanism Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003183181-50 PB - Routledge CY - New York ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - Construction Automation and Robotics for Concrete Construction: Case Studies on Research, Development, and Innovations T2 - Proceedings of the 40th International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2023), Chennai, India N2 - 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. Y1 - 2023 SN - 978-0-6458322-0-4 U6 - https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2023/0095 SN - 2413-5844 SP - 683 EP - 690 PB - IAARC ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pan, Mi A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Pan, Wei A1 - Cheng, Huimin A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - Influencing factors of the future utilisation of construction robots for buildings: A Hong Kong perspective JF - Journal of Building Engineering N2 - Construction robots are expected to have disruptive impacts on the building industry, but 8 there is still a lack of utilisation. While significant attention has been paid to technical 9 advancement, little has been done to comprehensively understand the broader societal issues 10 associated with the use of this technology. This paper aims to provide a holistic exploration 11 of the influencing factors of the future utilisation of construction robots in a systems manner, 12 analyse the interactions among these factors and identify the key ones that are most 13 influential in shaping the technological transformation. A modified fuzzy decision-making 14 trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is developed and applied. Hong Kong 15 was selected as the desirable case for the study due to its vibrant yet challenging built 16 environments. Factors were first systematically identified and synthesised before being 17 empirically verified, evaluated and analysed through the modified fuzzy DEMATEL. The 18 results demonstrate the multi-faceted and complexly interrelated factors influencing the 19 utilisation of construction robots. Eleven influencing factors were determined as critical for 20 shaping the future trajectory of robotic applications, among which “construction cost”, 21 “governmental support” and “the scale of prefabrication” are the most influential ones. The 22 findings indicate that more interdisciplinary efforts and broader non-technical discussions are 23 needed to achieve the successful transition of the industry towards robotic construction. The 24 findings further reveal the driving forces of environmental pressures behind the future 25 utilisation of construction robots. Detailed utilisation scenarios which fit to the evolution of 26 the whole society are recommended for future research. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101220 VL - 30 IS - July PB - Elsevier ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Pan, Wen A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas ED - Bergmeister, Konrad ED - Fingerloos, Frank ED - Wörner, Johann-Dietrich T1 - Bauautomatisierung und Robotik im Betonbau: Fallstudien zu Forschung, Entwicklung und Innovation T2 - Beton-Kalender 2024 Y1 - 2023 SN - 978-3-433-03407-1 SP - 563 EP - 573 PB - Ernst & Sohn CY - Berlin ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Iturralde, Kepa A1 - Bock, Thomas ED - Ghaffar, Seyed Hamidreza ED - Mullett, Paul ED - Pei, Eujin ED - Roberts, John T1 - A Procedure Model for the Development of Construction Robots T2 - Innovation in Construction : a Practical Guide to Transforming the Construction Industry N2 - Due to a constantly growing interest in construction robots, guidance on the design and management for its development process is needed to employ the best practice know-how and accelerate efficient development and marketisation. The development of construction robots usually involves stakeholders from the construction sector, non-construction sectors, and investors. A systematic design management method can help to integrate the needs and aims of different stakeholders and team members during the development process. Therefore, a procedure model for the development of construction robots is proposed as an integrative guidance on how to systematically conceptualise engineer requirements and to design, develop, implement, evaluate, manage, and mature the designs of construction robots. Several recent projects have been used by the authors to test and verify parts of the proposed cyclic method. In addition, the authors explain how the proposed model has been composed of an adapted set of proven principles and methodologies from the systems engineering and management field and highlight the specific concepts for developing and testing the construction robots. The application of the procedure model revealed that the concept and method are feasible and, in principle, can provide a comprehensive and practical guide on the steps forward. A unique characteristic of the proposed procedure model is the core principle which allows the evolvement over time with each cycle of use. In addition, interchangeable elements can be inserted into the procedure model depending on the region, type of robot, and technical readiness level. KW - Affordable robots KW - Construction automation KW - Construction robotics KW - Modular robotics KW - Modular/multitask construction robots KW - Procedure model KW - Systems engineering KW - Technology management Y1 - 2022 SN - 978-3-030-95798-8 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95798-8_14 SP - 321 EP - 352 PB - SpringerNature CY - Berlin ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Laumer, Tobias A1 - Stichel, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Amend, Philipp A1 - Schmidt, Michael T1 - Characterization of temperature-dependent optical material properties of polymer powders T2 - AIP Conference Proceedings N2 - In former works, the optical material properties of different polymer powders used for Laser Beam Melting (LBM) at room temperature have been analyzed. With a measurement setup using two integration spheres, it was shown that the optical material properties of polymer powders differ significantly due to multiple reflections within the powder compared to solid bodies of the same material. Additionally, the absorption behavior of the single particles shows an important influence on the overall optical material properties, especially the reflectance of the powder bed. Now the setup is modified to allow measurements at higher temperatures. Because crystalline areas of semi-crystalline thermoplastics are mainly responsible for the absorption of the laser radiation, the influence of the temperature increase on the overall optical material properties is analyzed. As material, conventional polyamide 12 and polypropylene as new polymer powder material, is used. By comparing results at room temperature and at higher temperatures towards the melting point, the temperature-dependent optical material properties and their influence on the beam-matter interaction during the process are discussed. It is shown that the phase transition during melting leads to significant changes of the optical material properties of the analyzed powders. KW - laser beam melting KW - material qualification KW - Optical Material Properties KW - Polymers Y1 - 2014 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4918508 IS - 1 PB - AIP Publishing ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Kuhn, Alexander A1 - Franzius, Jan Niklas A1 - Möller, Dennis A1 - Pralle, Norbert A1 - Reich, Franziska A1 - Hellmuth, René A1 - Tombeil, Anne-Sophie A1 - Wenzel, Günter A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Schmailzl, Marc A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Maufroy, Christophe A1 - Kopp, Verena A1 - Bölke, Nico A1 - Daub, Urban T1 - Kompetenzzentrum für Baurobotik im Hochbau (CONSAS) - Förderkennzeichen 16SV8637 T2 - Roboter für Assistenzfunktionen: Konzeptstudien für die Interaktion in der Praxis Y1 - 2023 UR - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373084211_Kompetenzzentrum_fur_Baurobotik_im_Hochbau_CONSAS_-_Forderkennzeichen_16SV8637 SN - 9783731512448 SP - 169 EP - 207 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ng, Ming Shan A1 - Hall, Daniel A1 - Schmailzl, Marc A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - Identifying enablers and relational ontology networks in design for digital fabrication JF - Automation in Construction N2 - As use of digital fabrication increases in architecture, engineering and construction, the industry seeks appropriate management and processes to enable the adoption during the design/planning phase. Many enablers have been identified across various studies; however, a comprehensive synthesis defining the enablers of design for digital fabrication does not yet exist. This work conducts a systematic literature review of 59 journal articles published in the past decade and identifies 140 enablers under eight categories: actors, resources, conditions, attributes, processes, artefacts, values and risks. The enablers' frequency network is illustrated using an adjacency matrix. Through the lens of actor-network theory, the work creates a relational ontology to demonstrate the linkages between different enablers. Three examples are presented using onion diagrams: circular construction focus, business model focus and digital twin in industrialisation focus. Finally, this work discusses the intersection of relational ontology with process modelling to design future digital fabrication work routines. KW - Digital fabrication KW - Enablers KW - Relational ontology network KW - Actor-Network Theory (ANT) KW - Process modelling Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104592 SN - 0926-5805 VL - 144 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hu, Rongbo A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Trummer, Julian A1 - Güttler, Jörg A1 - Kabouteh, Amir A1 - Langosch, Katharina A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - Developing a Smart Home Solution Based on Personalized Intelligent Interior Units to Promote Activity and Customized Healthcare for Aging Society JF - Journal of Population Ageing: Special Issue on responsive engagement of older persons promoting activity and customized healthcare N2 - The world’s population is aging at an unprecedented pace. Aging society is not only a severe crisis in the developed world, but also a rigorous challenge in emerging economies. 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. Based on the analysis of the state-of-the-art and shortcomings of the current smart home solutions, the EU-funded research project REACH 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 various activities. To achieve that goal, the research team developed a series of smart furniture (PI2Us) that materialize the research concepts and functionality seamlessly into the various environments. Specifically, the development process and the functionality testing results of the PI2Us are reported in detail. In addition, a simulated smart home solution concept (TRACK) integrating key assistive technologies developed is proposed to create a comprehensive interior living and care environment for elderly users. Due to its modularity and flexibility, the partial or entire solution can be easily adapted and rapidly deployed in different use case settings in Europe, which allows the project consortium to execute different testing activities. In the next phase, the research team will focus on enhancing the usability and performance of the prototypes in order to eventually push them to the market. In conclusion, this research provides an innovative smart home solution for the industry to mitigate the impact of aging society. KW - Assistive technology KW - Personalized intelligent interior units KW - Sensing technology KW - Smart furniture KW - Smart home Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-020-09267-6 VL - 13 IS - 1 SP - 257 EP - 280 PB - Springer Nature ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Seelinger, Anja A1 - Vogt Lydia, A1 - Schäpers Barbara, A1 - Steinböck, Martina A1 - Krewer, Carmen A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - REACH: Solutions for Technology-Based Prevention and Empowerment for Older People and their Caregivers JF - Journal of Population Ageing: Special Issue on responsive engagement of older persons promoting activity and customized healthcare N2 - REACH stands for “Responsive Engagement of the Elderly Promoting Activity and Customized Healthcare”. Sustained physical activity matters greatly to the health and well-being of older people and significantly improves their chance of maintaining independent living. It can make a difference across the whole care continuum as well as in almost every setting. Therefore, REACH solutions focus on the systematic, target-oriented increase of physical activity of older people, and tackle the whole prevention spectrum (primary, secondary, and tertiary). It seeks to empower older people and their formal and informal caregivers, and works towards viable solutions for both the formal and in-formal care sector. Technology-based personalization of prevention, activation, and care services provided in various living and care settings is at the center of the developed solutions. Ideally toolkit approach would allow for the tailoring of solutions that create value for end-users, care providers and health care payers alike through the combination, integration and adaptation/re-design elements towards the different contexts of different countries, different payment and reimbursement structures. This Special Issue sheds light on such solutions, their conception, their development, and their testing. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-020-09268-5 VL - 13 IS - 1 SP - 131 EP - 137 PB - Springer Nature ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ng, Ming Shan A1 - Hall, Daniel A1 - Schmailzl, Marc A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas T1 - Identifying enabler and relational ontology networks in design for digital fabrication JF - Automation in construction N2 - As use of digital fabrication increases in architecture, engineering and construction, the industry seeks appropriate management and processes to enable the adoption during the design/planning phase. Many enablers have been identified across various studies; however, a comprehensive synthesis defining the enablers of design for digital fabrication does not yet exist. This work conducts a systematic literature review of 59 journal articles published in the past decade and identifies 140 enablers under eight categories: actors, resources, conditions, attributes, processes, artefacts, values and risks. The enablers’ frequency network is illustrated using an adjacency matrix. Through the lens of actor-network theory, the work creates a relational ontology to demonstrate the linkages between different enablers. Three examples are presented using onion diagrams: circular construction focus, business model focus and digital twin in industrialisation focus. Finally, this work discusses the intersection of relational ontology with process modelling to design future digital fabrication work routines. KW - digital fabrication KW - relational ontology network KW - actor-network theory KW - process modelling Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104592 VL - 144 IS - December SP - 1 EP - 20 PB - Elsevier ER -