| This thesis evaluates the impact of robotics implementation in the construction industry, with the emphasis on the robotization of surface treatment operations.; The primary contribution of this dissertation is the development of a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of costs and benefits associated with a specific robotic application. An example analysis of technical and economic feasibility is performed on two case studies, i.e. robotic sandblasting and robotic form cleaning.; The technical feasibility is determined by an ergonomic evaluation of individual steps taken to accomplish the given work task, and by analysis of the requirements for robot control and process monitoring.; The robot system costs and benefits are treated in a manner not yet applied in the economic analyses of robotics in the manufacturing industries. Specific constraints characteristic of robot construction applications, such as performance in a harsh work site environment, difficult climatic conditions, exposure to dust, etc. are exposed and incorporated in the case study analyses. Also, some changes in the nature roboticized work process versus the traditional, human-performed work process are considered.; Net Present Value (NPV) method is used to determine the economic feasibility of robotics in the analyzed applications. The value to the contractor of the proposed robot systems is established. Also, the potential return to robot system developer from the distribution of the proposed systems is quantified on the basis of the indicated system development, marketing and dissemination cost, and on the basis of the benefit from sales revenue.; The conclusion of this research indicates a reasonable economic potential in the robotic performance of concrete form cleaning, despite a clear technical feasibility of work robotization. However, a far stronger technical and economic potential of the application of robotics to the performance of sandblasting work, currently performed in construction by humans, has been determined. The key quantifiable benefits of this application include the removal of human workers from the exposure to silica dust, potential to increase process productivity, and significant labor savings.; A new approach to the design of the future construction robotics is suggested. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)... |
