Monash University engineers have trialled an innovative human–robot collaboration system that demonstrated improved efficiency on job sites while reducing physical strain on workers.
The team used simulations of a timber floor assembly to show how intelligent task sequencing and robot allocation can speed up construction work and lessen worker fatigue.
Researchers from Monash’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering developed a smart planning system that not only decides which tasks robots should undertake and which should be left to human workers, but also factors human fatigue into the workflow scheduling.
Under the supervision of Dr Yihai Fang, the team simulated the assembly of a timber floor frame for a three-bedroom unit, breaking the entire job into 71 tasks.
Using real data from Monash’s UR10e robotic arm and MiR100 mobile robot, they measured task completion times, productivity levels, and the physical fatigue experienced by workers.
Dr Fang said the study’s findings showed the power of carefully allocating tasks and sequencing workflows to make construction more efficient while easing the physical demands on human workers.
“Collaborating with robots in construction is no longer a distant vision – it’s rapidly becoming a reality,” Dr Fang said.
“Faced with ongoing challenges such as low productivity, labour shortages and high injury rates, the industry must embrace innovation by integrating automation and advanced robotic technologies.”
Study first-author Dr Will Wang emphasised the transformative potential of robotics and automation in construction.
“The simulations really show how robots could take the strain off workers – they can handle the heavy lifting and repetitive jobs, while humans focus on planning, problem-solving and making sure everything fits perfectly,” Dr Wang said.
“It’s exciting to see how off-site prefabrication and smart on-site collaboration could actually make construction safer and faster for workers.”
Dr Wang also highlighted a key challenge addressed by their technology, stating: “Figuring out which tasks should be done by humans and which by robots is a major hurdle.
“Our study lays the groundwork for a safer, more efficient, and human-focused approach to integrating robotics into structural assembly.”
Building on this research, the Monash team is exploring augmented reality (AR) guidance to enable seamless coordination between humans and machines.
Workers wearing AR headsets receive visual guidance showing optimal routes between storage and work zones and a preview of robot movements, helping reduce mistakes, speed up tasks, and enhance safety on site.
Later this year, Monash University will inaugurate a new cutting-edge research facility led by Professor Yu Bai and Dr Fang.
This centre will extend the work started in Monash’s construction robotics lab by featuring high-capacity robotic arms, adaptable tooling modules, and custom co-production setups designed to foster smooth collaboration between humans and robots.
This study is a significant step toward overcoming persistent construction industry challenges such as low productivity, labour shortages, and high injury rates through innovative robotic technologies.
