Simulating Construction Robot Agents and Their Knowledge Environment

Abstract

In future construction environments, intelligent machines must harness considerable knowledge to plan and control autonomous tasks even though they will be limited in their own knowledge. However, no unifying theory and few guidelines exist for defining and communicating knowledge about designs and field operations in a way that can effectively be used by such machines. This paper first describes research needed to discover and formulate a general core of theory and software for such machines and the knowledge in their environment. For researchers interested in the cognitive aspects of construction robotics, it next surveys current research to simulate characteristics of robot agents themselves, simulate their knowledge environment, and develop means of communication. Finally, it suggests avenues researchers might pursue to integrate research in construction automation more effectively. The main benefit of this research will be to provide a theoretical base for the knowledge environment to sustain automation research for autonomous robots working in real and very challenging field conditions.