A Review of Human-Robotics Interactions in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is a major contributor to the US economy but is constantly challenged with low productivity, workforce shortage, and health and safety issues. Construction robotics potentially mitigate labor shortages and productivity inefficiencies facing the construction industry. However, construction jobsites are dynamic and ill-structured, and robot integration in such complex workspaces requires a high level of safety for successful collaboration with construction workers. Therefore, understanding existing robotic engagements in construction activities and necessary human-robot interactions for promoting a safe collaborative workspace with construction robots becomes critical. As such, this paper presents a review of state-of-the-art research in human-robot interactions in the construction industry. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge on the different human-robot interactions to facilitate the successful implementation of robotics in the construction industry.