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About

Chao Mao is a pioneering researcher specializing in construction robotics and automation, with a focus on transforming the construction industry through intelligent technologies. His work addresses critical challenges facing modern construction, including persistent labor shortages, low productivity, and the urgent need for sustainable operational solutions. Mao's most influential contributions examine whether robots can realistically replace human workers in construction settings, a question explored in his highly cited 2022 paper (65 citations) and complemented by his 2021 study on construction robot adoption (51 citations), which together have shaped foundational thinking on automation's role in the industry. His research spans both conceptual and practical dimensions — from tracing the historical genealogy of construction robotics to developing rigorous cost assessment frameworks that compare robotic versus traditional construction methods, providing stakeholders with much-needed economic clarity. Most recently, Mao has advanced capability evaluation frameworks to help industry decision-makers objectively assess construction robots' developmental maturity, reducing uncertainty around investment and deployment. With over 140 cumulative citations across a focused and rapidly growing body of work, Chao Mao has established himself as a leading voice in intelligent construction research, directly influencing how academics and practitioners envision the future of automated building processes.