Autonomous Screw-Fixing Robots for CLT Panel Building Assembly

Project Description:

Based on the research and the prototype robot developed in collaboration with Aurecon and Murdoch University in 2022, this project aims to further develop this robot for installing screw fixings to secure CLT panels and timber frames in unstructured environments at timber-building construction sites. Efficient algorithms for robot perception of a construction environment, localisation of screw locations, planning, and control will be developed. Extensive testing will be conducted, in partnership with Aurecon, in the test rig at UTS to assess the robot’s performance and suitability for practical applications. The expected outcomes include efficient algorithms that enable robots to install screws precisely and robustly.

Objectives

Development of efficient algorithms for robot perception of a construction environment, localisation of screw locations, planning, and control;
Development of software for implementation of the algorithms in a prototype robotic system;
Extensive testing and verification, in partnership with Aurecon, in the test rig at UTS to assess the robot’s performance and suitability for practical applications;
Final Report

Targeted industry focused outcomes

Outcomes and KPI’s achieved in 2024

1 post-doctoral research fellow (Senior Research Engineer) hired to continue development and research on the timber construction robot.
Conducted research and development of a new imitation learning method
Prof Dikai Liu gave a presentation to the Timber DiaLog Team session on 13 March 2024. The topic is about intelligent robots for timber building construction.

Objectives/Deliverables

New and efficient algorithms for robot perception of a construction environment, localisation of screw locations, and control.
An improved prototype robot for installing screw fixings.
An evaluation report on robot's performance and suitability for practical applications.

Project Leader/s

Dikai Liu

Project Leader; Chief Investigator

University of Technology, Sydney

Project Staff

Gibson Hu

PhD Candidate

University of Technology, Sydney (Robotics Institute)

Project Investigators

Dikai Liu

Project Leader; Chief Investigator

University of Technology, Sydney

Ralph Belperio

Partner Investigator; Executive Board Member

Aurecon

Project