The Application of Automation and Robotics at BRE’s Cardington Large Building Test Facility

This paper reports back on the BRE-lAARC sponsored workshop held in the UK in November 1995. It was unusual insofar as the principal theme sessions were focused on the exploitation of the unique Cardington Large Building Test Facility (LBTF). The LBTF comprises a programme of full-scale buildings constructed 'indoors' for the purposes of whole-building process and performance studies. This paper examines how Automation and Robotics in Construction (ARC) can exploit the LBTF by accelerating development towards the marketplace. The theme sessions addressed issues in 1 ) inspection, maintenance and repair; 2) integrated site measurement and 3) material handling. Feedback indicates a very positive response to the idea of establishing specialised 'forums' with further workshops in each of the theme areas in addition to establishing an internet 'home. page' following consultation with both the British Association (BAARC) and IAARC.