Final Project: Robotics in Construction

The topic my partner (Elda Cilifgu) and I will research about is Robotics in Construction. This was the one of the topics suggested by Prof. Mitchell of most interest to us.

Building objects are generally produce by people who perform a task using an equipment. Generally the worker performs several tasks and the equipment does the rest. Nowadays due to the increase in technology newer and more suitable machines are available in the market. Being able to design and create this robots and automated construction process has provided multiple benefits in the construction department. Some of the major benefits are reduction of time and cost, better performance, improve working condition, avoid dangerous work, and perform jobs that people cannot do. Robotics in construction is related to intelligent building, because the making of this robotics is directly affecting human building process. Intelligent building is not only in the technology inside the building but the one use to construct it.

The research will focus on the study of 4 robots: Wall and Brick assembly robots, Tele-operated concrete distribution, automated building construction system and robotic arc welding system.  Tele-operated concrete distribution is a material manipulator machine. Its purpose is concrete placing with higher quality and safety, while reducing the number of worker required. Wall and brick assembly robots are machine operated by a human in which are being use to assemble or dissemble wall panels in high-rise buildings. The main benefit of this machine is that it provides great safety to workers. Automated construction system is a new construction method that installed steel members, panels among others on high-rise buildings. It defers form the conventional tower crane system, because it integrates weather warehouse facilities, automated conveyor equipment and computer controls. It job is to increase the productivity and improve the working environment. Robotic arc welding system is a performed and controlled by a robotic working in high duty cycles. Our research will finish by talking about the future of robotics in the construction industry and its social impacts. The main challenge we could phase, is finding enough information on the future robotics in construction.  There are so many ideas but not all might be realistic.

My classmate Rita Pauliushchyk and her team have a very interesting topic for their final project. They will study and analyze the library to see how people feel in its environment and related to sensors (temperature control, humidity levels, noise from HVAC equipment). I believe they will come back with interesting information from the students. I personally believe the library is lacking in many basic needs. Depending in where you are it can get really hot when it is crowed and uncomfortable to study in. Im looking forward to hear what you guys find.