Advancing Automation in Design and Construction: Practices and Research

Despite several decades of research and development on transformational technological integration for the construction industry, many outcomes remain confined to academic environment, instead of being transformed into feasible on-site solutions. The gap between innovative studies and real-world applications creates a significant challenge for the industry to harness the full benefits of automation in design and construction in terms of workplace productivity, workforce health and safety, and project sustainability. This topical collection aims to bridge this divide by a), shedding light on the barriers that hinder the translation of research into practical solutions b), offering insights into successful and unsuccessful implementations within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry c), enabling key stakeholders a medium to provide their data confidentially or otherwise and reach out to research community at large for potential solutions, and, d) enabling dialogue and providing a platform for early career researchers to test their ideas through extended summaries.

This topical collection aims to provide the impetus towards addressing the limitations and gaps of research into automation in design and construction for consistent transition into field applications. While the potential of automation to revolutionize design and construction is widely acknowledged, the process of research to practice faces several challenges such as high costs, less awareness, regulatory hurdles, and technical complexity. By compiling original research, case studies, extended summaries, and data-driven insights, this topical collection will provide deeper insights and explore strategies to close the gap from research and development to industry adoption. Additionally, this topical collection will feature white papers and data-driven discussions on real-world implementations, fostering collaborations between academia and industry to advance the adoption of automated solutions in design and construction.

Broadly the following categories of papers are envisioned in this topical collection:

• Original Research Articles: To showcase novel contributions in automation in design and construction, focusing on innovative methodologies, implementation strategies, and technical validation. Articles are expected to address barriers to real-world application and propose solutions for advancing automation technologies in design and construction.

• Case Studies: To focus on real-world implementations, that offers insights into challenges, solutions, and lessons learned from practical applications of automation in design and construction.

• Opinions: To focus on innovative ideas or concepts, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking with potential impacts on construction automation in design and construction.

• Data Repositories: Data repository submissions with structured descriptions and confidential details, if solutions from necessary. Authors should describe challenges faced and indicate collaborative opportunities, inviting solutions from the broader research community

Keywords: automation, Construction, Design, Management, Sustainability

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.