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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 -