Human-Robot Collaboration in Construction: Towards Shared Authorship in Digital Fabrication for Architecture

Abstract: The integration of automation and robotics in construction can address critical challenges such as safety hazards, inefficiencies, and cost overruns. This paper explores the evolving role of human-robot collaboration (HRC) in digital fabrication for architecture (DFAB). With a focus on robotic agency and shared authorship, three case studies—Interactive Robotic Plastering, Tie-a-Knot, and Autonomous Dry Stone Wall Construction—are analyzed to examine dynamic workflows, varying levels of robotic autonomy, and the implications of collaboration across different task phases. The findings contribute to a framework for construction practices that merge human intuition with robotic precision, enabling both efficiency and adaptability.