Human–Robot collaboration in construction: Robot design, perception and Interaction, and task allocation and execution

Abstract

Human–robot collaboration (HRC) is a vital area for enhancing safety and productivity in the construction industry. Despite its growing importance, current literature lacks comprehensive reviews on the technological and methodological advancements supporting the design and deployment of HRC systems in construction industry. This review aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed examination of recent progress in HRC technologies and methods within the construction industry, with a focus on three main areas: (1) collaborative robot design, (2) perception and interaction, and (3) task allocation and execution of HRC systems. The review highlights significant challenges in current construction research and underscores the necessity for future research to prioritize the development of: (1) exoskeleton robots designed for construction trades and non-exoskeleton collaborative robots with rigid-flexible-soft configurations; (2) multimodal perception and interactive methods; and (3) digital twin-based HRC systems. This review study not only addresses the existing gap but also identifies promising research avenues to promote the development of safe and efficient HRC systems in the construction industry.