Human–robot collaboration in construction and the built environment

Introduction 

The Special Issue aims to advance foundational knowledge on human robot collaboration in construction by integrating multidisciplinary theories, methods, and evidence; to translate research into deployable solutions by showcasing validated methods, datasets, testbeds, and real-world case studies; and to catalyse cross-sector collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers to align technical innovation with safety, usability, and performance in the architecture, engineering, and construction sector.

This Special Issue will curate cutting-edge research on human–robot collaboration in construction and the built environment, spanning design, planning, on-site operations, safety, training, and lifecycle asset management. It will bring together scholars and practitioners to advance safe and productive collaboration between human workers and robotic systems across construction, operation, and maintenance phases.

List of topic areas

• Human-robot collaboration in on-site construction tasks
• Safety and hazard mitigation in human-robot zones
• Robot-integrated construction planning and design
• Robot-enabled inspection, monitoring, and quality control
• Training and workforce transformation in the era or HRC
• Testbeds, digital twins, and benchmarking for construction HRC
• Deployment pathways and industry adoption for practical HRC

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here.

Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see here.

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”.

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else while under review for this journal.

Key deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 01/11/2025

Closing date for manuscripts submission: 01/05/2026    

Email for submissions:  ceyantao@ust.hk zhengbo.zou@columbia.edu