Monash University engineers have developed a groundbreaking human-robot collaboration system that enhances efficiency on construction job sites while reducing worker fatigue. The research, conducted in August 2023, showcases how integrating robotics with human labor can address significant issues in the construction industry, such as low productivity, labor shortages, and high injury rates.
The team from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering simulated the assembly of a timber floor frame for a three-bedroom unit, dividing the project into 71 tasks. By utilizing real data from the UR10e robotic arm and MiR100 mobile robot, researchers measured task completion time, productivity, and the physical strain experienced by human workers. Under the guidance of Dr. Yihai Fang, the study found that optimized task sequencing and robot allocation significantly improved work efficiency while alleviating physical demands on human participants.
Dr. Fang emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “Collaborating with robots in construction is no longer a distant vision – it’s rapidly becoming a reality.” He noted that the construction industry must embrace innovation to overcome challenges like low productivity and high injury rates by integrating advanced robotic technologies.
Dr. Will Wang, the study’s first author, highlighted the transformative potential of robotics in construction. “The simulations demonstrate how robots can relieve workers from heavy lifting and repetitive tasks, allowing them to concentrate on planning and problem-solving,” he explained. Wang added that the combination of off-site prefabrication and on-site collaboration could significantly enhance safety and efficiency in the industry.
A key challenge identified by the researchers is determining the appropriate division of labor between humans and robots. Dr. Wang stated, “Our study lays the groundwork for a safer, more efficient, and human-focused approach to integrating robotics into structural assembly.”
Looking ahead, the Monash team is expanding their human-robot collaboration research to include augmented reality (AR) guidance. Participants will wear AR headsets designed to assist them in coordinating with robots, reducing errors, expediting tasks, and improving safety on site. This innovative technology acts as “smart eyes,” helping workers navigate between storage and work zones while previewing the robots’ movements.
By the end of the year, Monash University plans to launch a new research facility under the leadership of Professor Yu Bai and Dr. Fang. This state-of-the-art space will feature high-capacity robotic arms, adaptable tooling modules, and custom co-production setups aimed at fostering effective collaboration between humans and robots.
The findings of this research provide a promising outlook for the future of construction, highlighting the potential of human-robot collaboration to create safer, more productive job sites.
For further details, the full research paper can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106464.
