Timber Construction Automation Using Industrial Robotic Arm Integrated with an Interactive Rail System

Challenged by the prevalent workforce shortage, the construction industry is picking up interest in using robotic arms in construction operations, especially in the context of modular construction and prefabrication. However, the lack of systematic investigations into integrating robotic arms with mobile systems to enhance mobility and operational range has been identified as one main research gap. Stationary robotic arms have inherent limitations in their range, making mobility a critical need. To address that issue, in this paper, the authors proposed a mobile construction robotic system to facilitate their use in the automation of timber frame assembly operation. The authors simulated the system to assess the interactions and coordination among its various components, and to identify potential areas for improvement. This study showcased the effectiveness of the new system design in improving the timber construction automation process and reveals its potential for further exploration in the realm of mobile construction robotics.