Simulating and Visualizing Construction Operations using Robot Simulators and Discrete Event Simulation

Abstract

Despite the benefits offered by the simulation and visualization of construction processes, this class of technologies has yet to be adopted on a large scale in the industry. Reasons include: (1) the time and effort required for data collection and preparation of Discrete Event Simulation (DES) models and (2) the requirement to consider additional geometric information about the visualized components (e.g. worksite, work product, equipment) in order to correctly and completely visualize the simulated operation. This paper introduces an approach to the simulation and visualization of construction operations that employ robot simulators for the encapsulation of functionality and performance characteristics, and that enable the intelligent execution of programmed work tasks with due consideration of the virtual environment in which they are conducted. Our conceptualization of a robust methodology for the introduction of robots into construction sites through the synergistic combination of two proven technologies, viz. DES and robot simulation, is described. The abstraction of geometric and performance characteristics within a reusable robot model frees the operation modeler from concern over details such as the duration of activities and geometric considerations, thereby greatly decreasing the time and and effort required to produce correct and convincing visualizations of operations which, in turn, could lead to the widespread adoption of these technologies in the industry.