Building the Future – Robotic Construction Simulation with VR/AR

Instructors: Nuno Pereira da Silva¹, Sara Eloy²

¹ Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, ISCTE-IUL, Portugal

² University of Antwerp, Belgium

Email: nuno.a.pereira.silva@gmail.com; sara.eloy@uantwerpen.be

Duration: 1 day, 9 September

Mode of participation: Hybrid

Brief Description

The construction industry is on the cusp of a revolution as it explores construction technologies and robotics. Robotic automation is poised to significantly improve construction processes, making them more efficient, safe, and precise. Despite the importance of modernizing the construction industry, there is a pressing need to understand, test, and simulate how these new technologies will be integrated into construction sites. Therefore, the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) will provide valuable insights into robotic construction by allowing for first-person understanding, testing human-robot interaction, and simulating construction methodologies in a comprehensive environment. This one-day workshop will explore how VR and AR simulations will have a crucial role in the future of construction, especially in the context of new robotic construction processes.

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the potential of robotic automation in construction.
• Grasp the functionalities of VR/AR technologies in construction simulations.
• Evaluate and select appropriate software platforms for robotic construction simulations.
• Design and develop a basic construction strategy using a chosen robotic technology.
• Create a VR/AR experiment to visualize the construction process.
• Discuss the future of robotic construction and its impact on the industry.

Thus, this immersive workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to explore the exciting possibilities of robotic construction and VR/AR simulations.

Program

Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Introduction (15 mins): Welcome participants and provide an overview of the workshop.
• The Future of Construction (30 mins): Explore the increasing role of robotics in construction, focusing on benefits, challenges, and current applications.
• VR/AR (45 mins): Delve into VR and AR technologies, understanding hardware, software, and key functionalities used in construction simulations.
• Software Overview (30 mins): Introduction to leading software platforms for VR/AR construction simulations, including a demonstration of features relevant to robotic construction workflows.

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

• Lunch Break (1 hour)
• Hands-on Session: Building with Robots (3 hrs)
• Team Formation: Participants will be divided into teams (4-5 participants per team).
• Architectural Challenge: Each team will be given a simple architectural shape (e.g., a wall, a column) to design the construction process using robotic simulation.
• Robotic Selection: Teams will research and choose a suitable robotic technology for their assigned shape (e.g., robotic arm, 3D printing drone).
• Construction Strategy: Teams will develop a construction strategy considering factors like material selection, robotic manipulation, and construction sequencing.
• VR/AR Experiment Design: Teams will design a VR/AR experiment to simulate the construction process using their chosen robotic technology and software.

Closing Session (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

• Team Presentations: Each team will present their chosen robotic technology, construction strategy, and VR/AR experiment design to the group.
• Q&A and Discussion: Open forum to address questions and discuss the future of robotic construction and VR/AR simulations.
• Wrap Up and Conclusion: Workshop summary, takeaways, and resources for further exploration.

Required Skills, Hardware, Software

This workshop is intended for students in architecture, engineering, construction professionals, and individuals interested in the intersection of robotics, VR/AR simulation, and construction. No prior experience with robotics or VR/AR is necessary.