Development of a construction robotic system designated for aircrete block laying: feasibility and expediency assessment

Introduction. Development of construction technologies and materials entails the use of larger and heavier aercrete blocks. Hence, it promotes construction industry automation through the use of robotic systems. Due to considerable costs of development, production and operation of robotic systems capable of substituting human workers at a construction site, thorough substantiation of their efficiency (or investment appeal) is required. It encompasses the calculation of total costs and the timing of its development and implementation, since no universal comprehensive solutions are available now. Materials and methods. The co-authors have summarized practical design and engineering problems that may accompany the development of novel machinery and preparation of investment projects towards development of a construction robotic system (CRS) designated for aircrete block laying in the course of construction of buildings and structures. Two groups of experts were involved, Group One had civil engineers and Group Two had designers of robotic and mechatronic systems. Methods of expert evaluations and mathematical statistics were used; the co-authors also addressed specialized Internet websites and publications on design and engineering solutions. Results. A list of criteria describing the performance of a robotic system was made with a focus on most important factors. The co-authors identified a set of parameters whose availability in a robotic system ensures ideal blockwork. The co-authors have developed a technical specification for a robotic system, identified its cost and developed an implementation schedule. Conclusions. A formalized description of the future CRS, designated for construction purposes, is provided for the period of concept development. The co-authors also provided a reliable assessment of potential costs and schedules at the problem statement stage (a feasibility study), as it is important for the assessment of implementability of investment processes (a business plan) in terms of making a decision to initiate project implementation.