Driving forces and status of automation and robotics in construction in Europe

Abstract Automation and robotics in Europe are concentrated on concrete and asphalt mixing, concrete block and pipe making, precast concrete units and masonry prefabrication, control of mobile construction machinery, tunnelling, and renewing of buildings and sewers. The development has been going at a slow pace, because not all prerequisites to the introduction of these new technologies are fulfilled in the construction industry. Limited need for construction works on one hand, and shortage of skilled workers as well as new demands and tasks on the other hand stimulate the development—performed by manufacturers, construction companies, universities and institutes—in different ways. However, a survey around a lot of European specialists allows to draw a uniform picture of the driving forces and the current status of research, development, and usage of automation and robotics in construction (ARC).