Development and Evaluation of an E-Tool for Human-Robot Interaction Safety Risk Assessment

9 pages•Published: May 26, 2024

Chukwuma Nnaji, Ifeanyi Okpala and Gilles Albeaino

Abstract

The construction industry faces significant challenges in ensuring worker safety, health, and productivity. To address these challenges, recent research has focused on innovative approaches, including the adoption of Robotics and Automation (RA) technologies such as wearable robots, remotely operated robots, and on-site automated systems. These technologies offer potential solutions to enhance safety and productivity. However, their integration into construction lags behind other industries, partly due to the absence of standardized guidelines and concerns surrounding human-robot interaction (HRI) safety risks. This study introduces an electronic tool (e- tool) specifically designed for safety risk evaluation in RA applications within construction. Developed through a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and a modified Delphi process, this tool aims to identify and mitigate HRI safety risks. It encompasses various mitigation strategies and aids in pre-task planning. The tool, named "Assessment of Human-Robot Interaction Safety Risks in Construction Operations," has been tested by industry stakeholders, demonstrating its effectiveness, clarity, and practicality. This significant development not only advances worker safety in RA but also contributes to improving overall work environments and productivity in the construction sector through the strategic integration of robotic technologies.

Keyphrases: construction safety, e tool, human robot interaction, risk assessment

In: Tom Leathem, Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud (editors). Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 5, pages 885-893.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/cNVC
	https://doi.org/10.29007/wvg1

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2024:Development_Evaluation_E_Tool,
  author    = {Chukwuma Nnaji and Ifeanyi Okpala and Gilles Albeaino},
  title     = {Development and Evaluation of an E-Tool for Human-Robot Interaction Safety Risk Assessment},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference},
  editor    = {Tom Leathem and Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {5},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/cNVC},
  doi       = {10.29007/wvg1},
  pages     = {885-893},
  year      = {2024}}

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