Discussion on Applicability and Requirements for the Installation of Fastenings Using Robot Systems in the Construction Industry

Abstract

Since robotics is becoming increasingly widespread in the construction industry, more phases and working steps should be investigated for their applicability to automation. Ideally, only few robot systems would be needed and thus be multifunctional.
Current robot systems are used almost exclusively in precast construction. At the construction site, only prototypes are in use, and only individual parts of the building shell construction and assembly can be handled.
This paper examines to what extent robots can be applied for the installation of fastenings and which boundary conditions exist or need to be addressed. Automated construction, and more precise installation of fastenings, has been partially implemented, which has been shown to increase productivity as well as installation quality, and therefore the components’ structural safety. This knowledge must now be extended to robots. The present work is based on an overview of current research and development and includes a discussion on the current research at the University Duisburg-Essen on a cable robot for brickwork construction. It further demonstrates that fastenings pose an important additional application, especially to ensure the changeover to other building materials. These can be built-in parts, but also brickwork connections or prefabricated parts.
It can be assumed that robots will become increasingly important in the construction industry for reasons that include high quality, safety, speed and economic aspects.
This is an extended paper of the Creative Construction Conference in Budapest on “Examination of Advanced Fastening Systems for the use of Robots in the Construction Industry” (Spyridis et al., 2019).