Application of Automation and Robotics Technology in High-Rise Building Construction: An Overview

More and more high-rise buildings are being erected in extensively populated countries such as China nowadays with the requirement of higher living standards. However, on the one hand, with the development of aging society, the labor shortage has become a remarkable problem; on the other hand, the danger and difficulties in construction increase significantly with the height of the buildings. Thus, the application of automation and robotics technology is expected to ease such problems and concerns. Up to now, various methods and systems using automation and robotics technology have been proposed to be used in high-rise building construction. This paper summarizes the major advance on the application of automation and robotics technology in high-rise building construction through a literature survey and suggests directions of further research in this field. First of all, the research scope, the method and the results of the literature survey are presented. Then, based on the survey results, the relevant applications are summarized regarding the three parts of high-rise buildings, i.e., earth and foundation work, superstructure erection and façade installation. Finally, the future directions and opportunities mentioned in existing research are summarized and dis cussed. This paper provides a valuable aid in future research and application of automation and robotics technology for high-rise buildings.