Current Status and Key Issues for Construction Automation and Robotics in Japan

At first, the current status of automation and robotics in Japan is introduced. Since the end of 1970's much efforts have been devoted to, automation and robotization of, construction works. As the result, many types of robot have been introduced into the industry for improving labor conditions, productivity and quality levels. However, inspite of earnest effort of Japanese people, the number of automated machinery and robots is very small compared with robots which are utilized in manufacturing industry because of difficult conditions such as high R&D cost, narrow market, and so forth. For a breakthrough of this thick wall of hazard the author proposes promotion of international co-operation through IAARC and ISARC activities.