Design Methodology for Automated Construction Machines

Poor productivity in the construction industry has led researchers to consider the automation of various construction tasks. Automated installation of partition wall framework and cement block walls is addressed here. The wall building task and constraints imposed on machine design are discussed along with the design of a pair of machines which automate framework installation. Preliminary analysis and testing indicate that these machines provide a cost effective method of constructing partition walls. The cement block wall building process also lends itself to automation, and the design of a machine to accomplish this task is also discussed. keywords Robotics Construction equipment.