Measurement technology for automation in construction and large scale assembly

Abstract Fifty technical experts from business, industry, universities and government met in Washington, D.C., on February 5 and 6, 1985, to consider the issues of applying automation to construction and large scale assembly. This workshop, sponsored by the National Bureau of Standards and Transitions Research Corporation, concluded that: • • New technology achievable in the near term would have a major benefit in the construction and large scale assembly industries. • • The key to this benefit is the application of computers to data management and process control both off-site for design and planning and on-site for inventory management, production control and creation of an as-built database. • • The achievement of this new technology requires research carried out on the integration of systems for measurement and automated control of on-site construction and assembly tasks. The consensus of the attendees at the workshop was that the specific problems that need attacking are: 1. 1. System integration and standardization of data base technology for on-site use, for integration with measurement and inventory management systems, and integration with off-site computers. 2. 2. Standardization of labeling for inventory management. 3. 3. Development of real-time measurement technology for measuring position and dimensions and for inspection for quality assurance, particularly in materials properties (e.g. concrete). 4. 4. Development of better machine control technology , particularly for lifting (cranes) and for material handling. Specific recommendations for action included: • • Information transfer: a source of information on measurement technology that could be applied in construction and a major conference on this topic next year. • • A demonstration project to develop and demonstrate an as-built database on a real construction project.