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Automating Off-Site Construction: Integrating BIM and Industrial Robotics through the RoboSimX Framework for Smart Manufacturing
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- Author / Creator
- Itani, Anas
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Off-site construction (OSC) has been slow to adopt automation and digitization, particularly since OSC requires manufacturing flexibility due to a need for diverse product designs in dynamic environments. While automation is crucial for OSC operations, integrating digital technologies with design and manufacturing processes is becoming increasingly complex. This complexity is deepened by rapid technological advancements and data integration challenges, which hinder effective implementation. Moreover, the shift toward industrialized construction requires advanced fabrication lines, flexible algorithms, and enhanced methods for assembling various product variants and streamlining fabrication processes. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become prominent in digitizing the design and automating construction workflows. Similarly, Industrial Robotics (IR) in construction is gaining recognition for enhancing productivity, safety, and efficiency while minimizing lean waste. However, the integration of BIM and IR within OSC remains underexplored. This research introduces the RoboSimX framework, which incorporates a flexible Multi-Robotic Operational System (ROS) to automate and simulate processes. The project starts with a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to evaluate the integration of BIM-IR, followed by the development of a Robotic Assembly Task Motion Planner (RATMP) for intelligent and zero-labour robotic manufacturing cells. A Virtual Commissioning (VC) system is employed to simulate and optimize manufacturing strategies. Additionally, the framework utilizes an XAI engine, which provides interpretable, model-agnostic explanations to integrate and analyze data from BIM-IR activities, thus creating an automated decision-making tool. This tool aims to enhance manufacturing productivity, design flexibility, environmental adaptability, tool interchangeability, and overall system effectiveness. Using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the study demonstrates that BIM-IR integration is achieved in OSC through the RoboSimX framework. Validated across panelized and modular sectors in the wood and steel industries, the process includes software simulation, laboratory experiments, and expert surveys. This research offers the industry a comprehensive, adaptable BIM-IR-based solution for OSC manufacturing automation.
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2024
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Doctor of Philosophy
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Library with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.