Current Research and Development and Approach to Future Automated Construction in Japan

Automated construction technologies have been developed and introduced in the Japanese construction industries since the 1980s. However, the construction industry remains a craftoriented and labor-intensive industry with minimal automation of tasks. Automation of construction processes has potential significant effects on construction of buildings. This paper describes the history of research and development of automation technology in Japan and the advantages to using construction robots and automated building construction system at the field level, and examines possible application and requirements in future construction operations. In addition, current research and development of robotics technology is introduced with concrete examples.