"Imagine and make": teaching construction robotics for higher education students

Constr Robot. 2023;7(1):65-75. doi: 10.1007/s41693-023-00092-9. Epub 2023 Apr 15.

Abstract

The use of robotics in construction projects is still in its infancy despite the opportunities that robots can present for the improvement of construction practices. One of the strategies to effectively increase the reliance on robots in construction is increasing the knowledge and improving the educational programs about robotics for university students. This paper contributes to the ongoing efforts worldwide to improve the teaching methods about construction robotics through the presentation of a novel method called "Imagine and Make", in which students learn how to integrate robotics in different aspects and practices in construction projects. The method has been applied at Centrale Lille in France since 2018. The results of the application of "Imagine and Make" in the first semester of 2021-2022, evaluation by students, and teaching outcomes are reported in this paper.

Keywords: Construction 4.0; Construction management techniques; France; Robotics; Robotics teaching.