The Rise of Robotics in Construction: A Transformation in Progress

Hong Kong is a rapidly evolving city where the construction industry serves as a vital economic pillar. However, with an aging workforce and the growing demand to enhance working conditions, improving construction efficiency and safety has become imperative. Ir Prof. Thomas HO, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), visited Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics (HKCLR) to gain insights into innovative technologies addressing the challenges of the future workplace and logistics.

Addressing Industry Challenges in Three Domains

HKCLR Director Professor LIU Yun-hui explained that the research centre, established by the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2020, aims to harness robotics and artificial intelligence to resolve pressing problems across various industries. With a vision of translating research into practical applications mainly in logistics industry, the centre is also exploring applications of robotics and AI technology in other industrial sectors, such as construction and manufacturing, etc. Construction robotics holds significant importance, promising to enhance construction efficiency, reduce costs, and address labour and safety concerns stemming from an aging workforce in the construction industry.

Prof. LIU highlighted four key areas of focus for the centre's research: " Robust Sensing and Perception," "Human-Robot Collaboration," " Smart Manipulation Robots," and " Unmanned Logistics Vehicles."

The team is dedicated to developing and leveraging 3D imaging technology to realise high-resolution, low-cost tactile sensor and thermal sensor. These sensors aim to enhance detection accuracy in the construction industry, such as for measuring structures like floor slabs and wall panels. Furthermore, in collaboration with Mainland manufacturers, they have successfully developed a system for comprehensive inspection of various construction materials on production lines, including rebar placement and concrete structures, achieving an accuracy rate of 97%. This technology finds applications not only in the production process of construction materials but also in the quality inspection of finished products, demonstrating its broad potential in the construction sector.

Human-Robot Collaboration to Mitigate Risks in Workplace

In the realm of human-robot collaboration, the team is developing a range of robotic technologies that enhance the application of robots in the construction industry. A key focus is on improving robot safety, enabling them to work alongside humans more securely. This involves leveraging AI to enhance robots' perception and response capabilities, thereby mitigating safety risks during interactions with humans.

The research team is developing a digital building system designed for maintenance purposes, covering a wide range of buildings. This technology has already been successfully applied in various settings, including swimming pools, logistics warehouses, and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, demonstrating its versatility for both outdoor and indoor environments. As a result, it presents an ideal solution for maintenance and inspection tasks. The system's automated design significantly reduces the need for manual labour, leading to increased efficiency.

The team is collaborating with contractors, such as China State Construction, to develop a novel type of gondola specifically designed for cleaning glass curtain walls in Hong Kong. Through modifications, this gondola is better suited to the architectural characteristics of Hong Kong, significantly enhancing cleaning efficiency and providing a new solution for high-rise building maintenance. It offers a safer and more efficient approach to cleaning.

Forging Industry Collaborations for Advancing Smart Robot Development

Professor Darwin LAU, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who specialises in robotics, highlighted that robotics technology is being applied in various areas of the construction industry, including exterior wall construction, interior renovation, foundation engineering, and prefabricated component installation. These robots not only enhance work efficiency but also safeguard worker safety in high-risk environments. The centre's robotics technologies have made significant strides in the construction sector, ranging from exterior wall maintenance (such as leveling) to more complex construction engineering applications. These technologies have gained global recognition, and the centre has forged partnerships with industry players to further drive the commercialisation and practical application of construction robotics. For instance, the research centre collaborated with a company in Zhejiang Province to develop printing robots for large-scale construction projects.

Prof. LAU showcased groundbreaking robotic applications, including a collaborative project with the Drainage Services Department of Hong Kong, aimed at revolutionising maintenance cleaning in sewage treatment plants. The developed robot serves the primary purpose of enhancing the efficiency of water purification processes by effectively removing solid waste from sedimentation tanks. Its design incorporates a sophisticated cable operation system, resembling the manipulation of a marionette, enabling precise movement and thorough cleaning. Extensive field tests and refinements have validated the robot's effectiveness in handling large-scale cleaning tasks, paving the way for its potential application in various sizes and types of sewage treatment facilities.

In another collaborative project, the team developed a dedicated cleaning robot for the cleaning and painting of building exteriors. This robot is equipped with a mechanical arm and a sophisticated control system, offering a viable alternative to manual labor for tasks such as window cleaning and exterior wall painting. The robot ensures delicate and safety during operations. It also features water and paint supply systems, allowing it to adjust automatically based on the specific task requirements. The robot excels in providing delicate control, increasing work efficiency, reducing dependence on human labour, and effectively operating at heights or in dangerous environments.

Collaboration with Industry to Discover Application Scenarios

Prof. LAU emphasised that the centre's automated robotic systems have numerous applications in building maintenance and inspection, providing significant technical support for building maintenance operations. One such robotic system can autonomously perform specific tasks on building surfaces, such as applying sealant. The system can automatically sense the required location and execute the task along a planned path. Through advanced flight planning techniques, the system can autonomously scan and inspect building facades without the need for human intervention. This not only enhances the speed and accuracy of inspections but also significantly reduces the cost and time associated with conducting these inspections.

For exterior work on high-rise buildings, the centre has developed another automated robot that combines multiple functions, including window cleaning, painting, inspection, and repair. This robot comprises two main components: a cable-driven robotic system for mobility and a platform with a mechanical arm for performing various tasks. Currently, the robot utilises force sensors to maintain optimal contact between the cleaning tool and the surface being cleaned, and it can apply paint using rollers.

The system can also mark areas on building surfaces based on client requirements, facilitating subsequent maintenance or other work. Equipped with multiple sensors and camera modules, the system employs a sound-based detection mode to analyze the health of the building and automatically generate detailed inspection reports. This technology precisely identifies areas of concern, providing a more thorough inspection than manual methods. In addition to being non-invasive, its lightweight design and low cost make it suitable for widespread application. Furthermore, the system can convert inspection data into BIM format, which aids in more in-depth analysis and maintenance planning of the building.

Prof. LAU mentioned that several clients are already using this system, ranging from government departments (e.g., Architectural Services Department, Housing Department) and statutory bodies (e.g., MTR Corporation) to private companies. The system's automated process reduces reliance on operators, allowing for closer, more precise inspections, which is particularly beneficial for inaccessible or hard-to-reach building structures (e.g., building atriums). Through close collaboration with clients, the centre can develop innovative solutions tailored to different building characteristics while further exploring the commercialisation of these technologies. This has led to increased work efficiency, improved maintenance effectiveness, enhanced public safety, and reduced financial costs, benefiting the entire construction industry. Looking ahead, the application of these robots is expected to expand further across various building types in Hong Kong.