Development of Macro-Manipulator Based Robotic Systems for General Construction Use

This paper introduces the concept of macro manipulators as the means whereby the whole robotization of construction may become practicable. Two examples of full scale machines which are in the process of commercialization are presented to illustrate the feasibility of the technology. The paper examines in brief the applications potential of these devices in relation to the broad processes that comprise construction and draws the conclusion that M-M based robotic technology constitutes a new high technological frontier in the field of construction methods and equipment and that it offers considerable real future benefits to the building and construction industries.