TY - CHAP A1 - Karamara, Merve A1 - Bogdanski, Moritz-Ole A1 - Zöller, Raphael A1 - Albrecht, Sophie Viktoria A1 - Linner, Thomas A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Braml, Thomas T1 - Increasing efficiency and sustainability: A comparative analysis of concrete 3D printing and traditional methods based on case studies T2 - MATEC Web of Conferences N2 - At the forthcoming Concrete Solutions 2025 conference, the subject of concrete 3D printing will be explored in the “Case Studies” category, with a comparison to traditional methods. Concrete 3D printing offers several significant advantages, including the ability to create complex geometries, increased material efficiency, faster build times and cost savings. These are particularly important in the context of the current skilled labour shortage and emphasis on resource efficiency in construction. Nevertheless, challenges persist in the areas of machine reliability, process integration, and material adaptation to meet the requirements of 3D printing. The case studies will present modular and design-engineering-based strategies for the development of efficient, scalable automation solutions that integrate 3D printing into existing processes and allow for project-specific customisation through selective automation. These findings provide a robust framework for industrial applications that enhance efficiency and adaptability. By comparing concrete 3D printing to conventional methods, the insights offer a foundation for advancing automated production in construction, promoting scalable, resource-efficient, and economically sustainable practices that address the industry’s evolving demands. Y1 - 2025 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202540913005 N1 - Corresponding author der OTH Regensburg: Merve Karamara VL - 409 PB - EDP Sciences 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Ng, Ming Shan A1 - Bock, Thomas A1 - Linner, Thomas T1 - Robotization: Design for Fabrication, Assembly, Disassembly and the Circular Built Environment with Robot-Oriented Design T2 - 22th Symposium on Construction Robotics in Japan - Ongoing commitment to construction robot technology needed for a sustainable society N2 - Robotics has been gradually adopted in the construction sector to improve productivity and efficiency through automation. Recent scholars study design for automation to facilitate robotization in design and planning. Besides, it has the potential to enable circularity to assist in the current resource crisis. This article explores how robotization can foster the circular built environment with design for fabrication, assembly and disassembly in current practice. This article first presents the industry adoption of robotization through design for fabrication, assembly and disassembly (Design for X) and Robot-Oriented Design (ROD) in Japan and abroad. Secondly, based on the concept of ROD, this work investigates how this fosters the circular built environment through industry review and literature review. It is concluded with three takeaways of robotization for the circular built environment with ROD and future directions in research. The work contributes to the body of knowledge in automation in construction, construction management, technology and innovation. Y1 - 2024 UR - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384440651_Robotization_Design_for_Fabrication_Assembly_Disassembly_and_the_Circular_Built_Environment_with_Robot-Oriented_Design 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 -