Research Themes
The Hub’s research is organised into four themes addressing technology, people, business, and quality in human-robot teaming. Together, they provide a comprehensive framework for developing safe, efficient, and high-quality collaborative construction practices.
Theme 1 - Technology
Led by CI Lin, this theme focuses on advancing the technological foundations of human-robot teaming through research in intelligent robotics, artificial intelligence, robot learning, and human skill transfer. It investigates how robots can collaborate effectively with humans by developing capabilities in human-robot interaction, brain-robot interfaces, and construction automation. The theme also explores robot-interpretable Building Information Modelling (BIM), design for automation, and optimal teaming between humans and robots. The outcomes of this research will deliver methodologies that enable robots to work alongside humans safely, intuitively, and efficiently in complex construction environments.
Theme 2 - People
Co-led by CIs Lingard and Pagnucco, this theme focuses on understanding and enhancing the human dimension of human-robot teaming in construction. It explores how productivity and performance can be improved while prioritising workforce needs such as safety, wellbeing, and individual preferences. The research examines how human-robot teaming can support better work design to reduce physical injuries and mental health risks, while also promoting diversity and inclusion across the sector. A key focus is on creating opportunities that attract more women to the industry and support the retention of experienced, older workers, ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable construction workforce.
Theme 3 - Business
Led by CI Wilkinson, this theme examines the broader ecosystem that shapes the construction industry, including economic conditions, technological progress, labour market trends, workforce skills and training, as well as regulatory and cultural influences. The research aims to develop comprehensive models and strategies for effectively integrating human-robot teaming within this complex environment. By addressing the interplay between these factors, the theme seeks to ensure that the adoption of HRT delivers sustainable business value, enhances industry capability, and supports long-term growth and resilience across the construction sector.
Theme 4 - Quality
Led by CI Wu, this theme focuses on ensuring confidence in the quality of construction outcomes achieved through human-robot teaming. It aims to develop quality assurance methods and technologies tailored to construction tasks, supported by real-time robotic sensing and advanced data analytics. The research will design workflows that optimise collaboration between humans and robots to maximise precision, consistency, and overall quality of work. Through performance analysis using data science and analytics, this theme will establish robust frameworks that enable construction workers and companies to trust the reliability and excellence of HRT-enabled construction processes.