Project : Investigate the potential for automating highway construction and repair

Results : A method of screening projects based on interest of three different communities was developed

The three communities that were identified were:

• Research program managers (funding providers)
• Technology sources (includes academic, government and private industry researchers)
• End users (those people who will actually use the equipment)

A systematic process consisting of the following six steps was developed:

1. Indentification of potential applications
2. Subjective filters (select mutually important applications)
3. Objective filters (conceptual designs and economic feasibility studies)
4. Pathfinder development and laboratory testing
5. Prototype development and field testing
6. Manufacturing, training, and field implementation

For additional details see

Boles, W., Maxwell, D., Scott, W., Heermann P., (Sandia National Laboratories), Yarborough, T. (TxDOT), and Underwood, J. (TxDOT), "Construction Automation and Robotics--A Pathway to Implementation," Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 121 No. 1 pp. 143 - 152, March 1995. Abstract

Boles, W., Maxwell, D. A., Heermann, P. D. (Sandia National Laboratories), Scott, W. D., Adams, R. W., Flickinger, C. J., Gallegos, R. M., and Mannering, J. A., "Applications of Robotics and Other Automated Techniques to the Construction, Maintenance, and Inspection of Highway Systems," Texas Department of Transportation, Research Report Number 1440-1F, FHWA/TX-93/1440-1F, Nov 1993