CENTHAUR

Project details

Full project title: CENTHAUR – Human-CENTred, industry-informed Human-Robot Collaboration for Assembly-based Timber Construction

Project start date: 1 January 2026-31 July 2028

Funded by:

• CABER Internal Research Support Scheme: Spring 2026
• CATE Research Investment Scheme: Autumn 2026 to Spring 2028

Project lead: Dr Eduardo Costa (Principal Investigator)

Partners:

• The Bridge Studios (UWE Bristol)
• Xylotek

Project summary

Automation driven by advances in robotics, artificial intelligence and immersive technologies is reshaping multiple industries as part of the fourth industrial revolution. Construction is increasingly following this trajectory, with robotic systems demonstrating benefits in precision, quality and productivity across both academic research and industry. Mobile robots are particularly promising due to their capacity to operate within the complex, dynamic and unpredictable conditions typical of construction environments.

Despite these advantages, the growing adoption of automation has raised concerns regarding workforce displacement, unemployment and wage inequality. Fully automated approaches also risk overlooking human strengths such as contextual judgement, adaptability and holistic understanding, which remain central to construction practice. Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) offers an alternative paradigm, combining robotic accuracy with human cognitive, embodied and experiential knowledge. Such collaboration can preserve the cultural, social and craft-based richness of construction labour while augmenting creativity and productivity.

Assembly-based construction processes, including bricklaying, masonry, frame structures and timber construction, are particularly suited to HRC. Timber is of growing interest due to its lightweight nature, sustainability credentials and relevance to climate-conscious construction. Its inherent material variability, however, poses challenges for purely robotic approaches, making it a compelling domain for HRC research.

While existing HRC research in timber construction has largely focused on bespoke prototypes and laboratory demonstrations, there is a need to investigate industry-relevant, offsite practices. Addressing persistent challenges related to human engagement and process accuracy will require integrated approaches combining mobile robotics, augmented reality interfaces and complementary sensing technologies such as motion capture.