UK-Japan-Switzerland-Germany-Netherlands transnational network for safer and healthier human-robot collaboration (HRC) in construction

Project details

Full project title: UK-Japan-Switzerland-Germany-Netherlands transnational network for safer and healthier human-robot collaboration (HRC) in construction

Duration: 31 March 2025-30 March 2026

Sponsored by: Academy of Medical Sciences

Project team: 

• University of Manchester (Principal Investigator

Co-Principal Investigator organisations:

• ETH Zurich
• Delft University of Technology
• Bauhaus-University Weimer
• Kyoto Institute of Technology

Partner:

• Health and Safety Executive

Project summary

The construction industry is a critical global sector, employing approximately 7% of the world’s working-age population and contributing around £8 trillion annually to the global economy. Despite its economic importance, it remains one of the most hazardous sectors, with high rates of work-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities, even in developed nations. These risks are further exacerbated by an ageing workforce and persistent labour shortages. Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) offers potential solutions by enabling robots to handle repetitive and hazardous tasks, allowing human workers to focus on complex decision-making and better manage the dynamic and unpredictable environments of construction sites.

However, the adoption of HRC has been slow due to the imbalance between technical advancements and socio-technical considerations. While much research has been dedicated to improving robotic systems, critical socio-technical aspects—such as worker training, safety protocols, ergonomic design, and spatial layouts for safe human-robot interaction—have been largely overlooked. This gap has delayed the effective integration of HRC into construction practices.

To accelerate the adoption of HRC in construction, this proposal aims to establish a global interdisciplinary network of experts, including architects, civil engineers, project managers, site supervisors, researchers, policymakers, and technology providers from the UK, Japan, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands—countries which have been leading in construction innovation and robotics. The network will focus on three key objectives:

1. assess the current state of HRC in construction
2. develop detailed research and implementation roadmaps
3. create a sustainable, long-term interdisciplinary partnership to ensure continuous improvement in HRC integration.