Power assist devices for installing plaster panels in construction

Building construction is a very interesting field for automation, but the incorporation of fully automated systems is a very slow matter because of the inherent difficulties of its unstructured and changing environment. However, this industry produces a large number of accidents and injuries in workers and government agencies are demanding protection for them. An intermediate solution is to provide the workers with new tools capable of supplying power to carry the heavy loads while the workers are still providing their sensor system and intelligence. This is just the concept of a power assist device. This paper presents two versions of a manipulator to assist operators in handling and installing pre-manufactured plaster panels for indoor-wall construction. This manipulator is guided directly by the operator, so it can be considered yet another tool to assist operators in handling heavy loads. The system's main features and its functions are presented. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.