TY - JOUR A1 - Lafhaj, Zoubeir A1 - AlBalkhy, Wassim A1 - Linner, Thomas T1 - “Imagine and make”: teaching construction robotics for higher education students JF - Construction Robotics N2 - The use of robotics in construction projects is still in its infancy despite the opportunities that robots can present for the improvement of construction practices. One of the strategies to effectively increase the reliance on robots in construction is increasing the knowledge and improving the educational programs about robotics for university students. This paper contributes to the ongoing efforts worldwide to improve the teaching methods about construction robotics through the presentation of a novel method called “Imagine and Make”, in which students learn how to integrate robotics in different aspects and practices in construction projects. The method has been applied at Centrale Lille in France since 2018. The results of the application of “Imagine and Make” in the first semester of 2021–2022, evaluation by students, and teaching outcomes are reported in this paper. KW - Robotics KW - Construction management techniques KW - Construction 4.0 KW - Robotics teaching KW - France Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s41693-023-00092-9 SN - 2509-8780 SN - 2509-811X IS - 7 SP - 65 EP - 75 PB - Springer ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Biersack, Stefan A1 - Schmailzl, Marc A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Eder, Friedrich A1 - Obergrießer, Mathias ED - Schermer, Detleff ED - Brehm, Eric T1 - Von der Handarbeit zur Hochtechnologie im Reallabor: Die Möglichkeit der BIM-basierten Planung und effizienten Produktion von Ziegelwänden durch Roboter T2 - Mauerwerk-Kalender 2025 KW - Mauerwerk KW - Mauerwerksbau Y1 - 2025 SN - 978-3-433-03445-3 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/9783433612019.ch7 VL - 2025 PB - Ernst & Sohn ET - 1. Aufl ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Ehrari, Humira A1 - Andersen, Henning Boje, A1 - Valk, Carlijn A1 - Lu, Yuan A1 - Visser, Thomas A1 - Larsen, Rasmus Tolstrup A1 - Korfitsen, Christoffer Bruun A1 - Langberg, Henning A1 - Randriambelonoro, Mirana E. A1 - Schäpers, Barbara A1 - Linner, Thomas T1 - User acceptance and motivational strategies 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 (Report number: REACH2020 Deliverable D30) N2 - This deliverable describes the results and reflections by the partners’ efforts on user acceptance and motivation strategies. The report presents the outcome of an identification and detailing of user acceptance and motivation strategies for the overall system (REACH, Touchpoints & Engine concept) and subsystems (Touchpoints, REACH toolkit elements), providing full consideration and detailing of ethical, privacy, legal and usability/accessibility aspects. The REACH system incorporates two strands of technological elements; on the one hand, sensing and monitoring elements, and, on the other hand, motivational and physical engagement elements. For both types, user acceptance is critical allowing for a user experience that leads to (intrinsic, extrinsic, etc.) motivation to more physical activity. The remainder of this Deliverable is structured as follows. First, we introduce the REACH-specific interplay of the concept “user acceptance” with the linked concepts “behaviour change/motivation” and “personalization” in the context of (early) physical activation of elderly persons, and outline the related work and activities conducted in REACH (overall and per TP). Second, we present an analysis and structuring of acceptability drivers (ethical, privacy/security, legal, and accessibility considerations) per Touchpoint. From this we developed an integrated view that represents REACH specific know-how about how to use these acceptability drivers to integrate advanced ICT-driven technology for early detection and intervention use cases seamlessly into age inclusive communities. Third, we present our findings in the context of the development of acceptability drivers for the use of sensing and monitoring elements. We conclude the deliverable by outlining acceptability related evidence and examples from REACH trials (based on Deliverable D27 findings), and by summarizing the overall findings of this deliverable. Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20619.64800 N1 - REACH2020: Responsive Engagement of the Elderly promoting Activity and Customized Healthcare (Horizon 2020, PHC track) ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Schmailzl, Marc A1 - Spitzhirn, M. A1 - Eder, Friedrich A1 - Krüll, Georg A1 - Obergrießer, Mathias A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Albalkhy, Wassim A1 - Lafhaj, Zoubeir T1 - Towards interfacing human centered design processes with the AEC industry by leveraging BIM-based planning methodologies T2 - 40th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2023): Chennai, India, July 3–9, 2023 N2 - Digital workflows in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry have been working with a wide range of software solutions trying to enable a Design-to-Production (DtP) end-to-end data flow. Thereby, state-of-the-art software solutions attempt to streamline the design and production processes accordingly. However, most digital workflows lack in terms of adequate sequential data preparation, agglomeration, and interfacing capabilities for consecutive design phases. These issues result in long, tedious correction loops, a wide range of software solutions and extensions to mitigate the issues. In addition, many digital workflows do not consider or integrate construction, production and machine relevant data holistically (respectively geometry and semantics). In this context, the production relevant data in from of human-centered work process data referring to digital human models (DHM), derived human abilities, safety and ergonomic criteria are often neglected. However, this is essential to interface the construction, human and machine relevant data in a holistic manner. This paper therefore proposes a DtP-workflow which is intended to solve some of the issues by interfacing relevant software solutions incorporating construction, production (including DHM and more) and machine relevant data in a holistic manner using a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-approach (based on the IFC schema). In this regard, the DtP-workflow aims to reverse common top-down digital workflows by considering and integrating the relevant data for consecutive design phases from the beginning. Subsequently, the DtP-workflow should achieve a reduction in planning effort. KW - Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry KW - Building Information Modeling (BIM) KW - Interoperability KW - Digital Human model (DHM) Y1 - 2023 SN - 978-0-6458322-0-4 U6 - https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2023/0045 SN - 2413-5844 SP - 325 EP - 332 PB - I.A.A.R.C. ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Eder, Friedrich A1 - Hoeng, Simon Konrad A1 - Schmailzl, Marc A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Obergrießer, Mathias T1 - Towards improving data interoperability for the reconstruction of existing buildings T2 - The 20th conference of the International Society for Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (ICCCBE 2024), August 25 to 28, 2024, Montreal N2 - Digital representations of buildings are the supporting structures of various use-cases in the emerging field of data-driven decision making. From large scale applications in the context of city planning to the detailed evaluation of critical infrastructure they enable specialists to observe problems, interpret relationships, test solutions virtually and apply them in the real world. This is only feasible if the individual underlying digital model meets the requirements imposed by the analysis at hand. In practice, especially models of existing buildings are not easy to come by as the information describing the existing structure is often scattered across multiple different data sources in various formats. Previous research efforts have outlined methodologies which leverage machine learning, computer vision and subsequent semantic enrichment in order to achieve the (re)construction of such building models. However, these methods are generally not integrated with each other, nor do they consider being able to interface with a shared repository of building related data. In this paper we present a methodology which focuses on establishing a common context for all building related data by utilizing the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) schema. In particular we focus on utilizing readily available geometric and semantic data originating from geographic information systems as a basis, subsequently referencing additional data sources in their corresponding context and finally outlining interfaces with downstream enrichment processes in both directions. Through incorporating contextualized (IFC) data into the early stages of the remodeling workflow, we outline an end-to-end process from the initial component-based data-acquisition to the as-built building information model. In establishing a standardized foundation for data exchange and collaboration it enables all stakeholders to work more seamlessly across different stages of the remodeling project. Y1 - 2024 N1 - Conference proceedings erscheinen voraussichtlich bei Springer Nature in der Reihe Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Höng, Simon K. A1 - Wiederer, Jonas A1 - Eder, Friedrich A1 - Obergriesser, Mathias A1 - Linner, Thomas T1 - Towards AI-enhanced facade planning : integrating human expertise with machine learning-driven parametric modeling T2 - EC³ & CIB W78 : 2025 European Conference on Computing in Construction & 42nd CIB W78 IT in Construction Conference N2 - Planning modern facade systems is complex, requiring optimization across multiple domains.This paper proposes an AI-enhanced workflow for facade planning, harnessing computer vision and human input via a Large Language Model.A generative AI system then guides a parametric model to produce 3D facade designs. Automated checks provide feedback to a Reinforcement Learning system, to iteratively determine optimal solutions.These solutions are verified and finalized by human expertise, ensuring improved outcomes with reduce planning time and effort.The approach illustrates how combining advanced AI methods with human expertise can address the multifactorial challenges of facade design within current industry practices. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-84862 SN - 978-9-083451-31-2 SN - 2684-1150 VL - 6 SP - 192 EP - 199 PB - European Council for Computing in Construction ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Saffert, Anne-Sophie A1 - Wiederer, Jonas A1 - Höng, Simon A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Obergrießer, Mathias A1 - Neumann, Patrick T1 - Towards AI-based optimization of human-centered and robot-assisted construction processes T2 - Proceedings of the 42nd International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC), Montreal, Canada July 28-31, 2025 N2 - This research explores an innovative AI-driven approach to optimizing construction processes with a focus on humancentered design, addressing key challenges in the construction industry, such as skilled labor shortages and ergonomic risks associated withwork-related musculoskeletal disorders. By integrating process design with AI-based algorithms into simulation tools, various construction process layout variants including robot-assisted scenarios can be simulated and evaluated based on user-specific key performance indicators (e.g., ergonomic score, layouting parameters) to identify optimized solutions. A data processing algorithm automates the process, eliminating the need for manual simulation variations and resulting in increased operational productivity. The AI-based system evaluates and optimizes process layouts by adjusting control parameters. A case study on a brick laying process serves as an exemplary use case, highlighting the necessity and impact of adopting process optimization. The findings emphasize the transformative potential of automated process optimization within simulation environments to rethink existing construction practices, enhance worker well-being, and boost operational productivity. KW - AI-based Learning KW - Simulation KW - Process optimization KW - Human Factors KW - Parametric Design Automation Y1 - 2025 SN - 978-0-6458322-2-8 U6 - https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2025/0112 SN - 2413-5844 N1 - Präsentationsvideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL-1mIuy-_M SP - 861 EP - 868 PB - IAARC ER - 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 - Linner, Thomas A1 - de Soto, Borja García A1 - El-Mahdy, Deena A1 - Gonzalez, Vicente A. T1 - Topical collection: robotic solutions for digitally enabled production processes in construction JF - Construction Robotics N2 - Across the global construction sector, a new generation of robotic systems is rapidly entering the market. Solutions for on-site drilling, spraying, masonry, logistics, and finishing are now being piloted at an unprecedented pace. Their deployment in emerging construction robotics hubs in Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany demonstrates both the momentum of this technological shift and the considerable challenges that remain. In real-world testing environments, the integration of these robots into digital construction pipelines—particularly BIM-to-robot workflows, semantic task modeling, and robust digital twins—continues to be a bottleneck. These challenges position digitally enabled fabrication and robotics as a priority topic within academia, motivating research on methods, techniques, algorithms, and workflows that can accelerate adoption in construction. This Topical Collection brings together research spanning the emerging landscape of digitally enabled construction robotics. The contributions advance robotic fabrication, from flexible timber processes to innovative formwork, reinforcement, and earth-based additive methods, alongside computer vision, BIM integration, and sensing approaches that improve monitoring and quality assurance. The collection also includes mobile and aerial systems for inspection and mapping to support system autonomy in construction. Together, these works show how integrated perception, planning, and sociotechnical understanding of human–robot collaboration are becoming essential for reliable robotic performance in construction. While current construction robots still focus on simple, structured tasks, the advances in this topical collection point toward a more capable generation. Contributions outline principles for robot-compatible buildings through new fabrication logics and BIM-linked task data, while work on perception, BIM integration, and data fusion reduces interoperability gaps. Research on sensing and adaptive processes supports more consistent workflows, and mobile and aerial robotics provide insights for deployment and site logistics. Collectively, these developments show how digitally enabled production processes can help to overcome key systemic barriers and enable future, scalable construction robotics. Y1 - 2025 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s41693-025-00174-w SN - 2509-811X N1 - Corresponding author der OTH Regensburg: Linner, Thomas VL - 10 PB - Springer ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Lafhaj, Zoubeir A1 - Albalkhy, Wassim A1 - Linner, Thomas ED - Linner, Thomas ED - García de Soto, Borja ED - Hu, Rongbo ED - Brilakis, Ioannis T1 - Teaching Construction Robotics for Higher Education Students "Imagine and Make" T2 - Proceedings of the 39th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2022): Bogotá, Colombia, July 13-15, 2022 N2 - The use of robotics in construction projects is still in its infancy despite the opportunities that robots can present to the improvement of construction practices. One of the strategies to effectively increase the reliance on robots in construction is increasing the knowledge and improving the educational programs about robotics for university students. This paper contributes to the ongoing efforts around the world to improve the teaching methods about construction robotics through the presentation of a novel method that is called “Imagine and Make”, in which students learn how to integrate robotics in different aspects and practices in construction projects. The method has been applied at Centrale Lille in France since 2018. The results of the application of “Imagine and Make” in the first semester in 2021-2022, evaluation by students, and teaching outcomes are reported in this paper. Keywords – Robotics, Construction management techniques, Construction 4.0, Robotics teaching, France Y1 - 2022 UR - http://www.iaarc.org/publications/fulltext/007_ISARC%202022_Paper_80.pdf SN - 978-952-69524-2-0 SN - 2413-5844 SP - 47 EP - 54 PB - International Association on Automation and Robotics in Construction ER -