A Low-Cost Approach for Path Programming of Terrestrial Drones on a Construction Site

Robots for construction sites, although not deeply widespread, are finding applications in the duties of project monitoring, material movement, documentation, security, and simple repetitive construction-related tasks. A significant shortcoming in the use of robots is the complexity involved in programming and re-programming an automation routine. Robotic programming is not an expected skill set of the traditional construction industry professional. Therefore, this research seeks to deliver a low-cost approach toward re-programming that does not involve a programmer's skill set. The researchers in this study examined an approach toward programming a terrestrial-based drone so that it follows a taped path. By doing so, if an alternative path is required, programmers would not be needed to re-program any part of the automated routine. Changing the path of the drone simply requires removing the tape and placing a different path - ideally simplifying the process and quickly allowing practitioners to implement a new automated routine. Python programming scripts were used with a DJI Robomaster EP Core drone, and a terrain navigation assessment was conducted. The study examined the pass/fail rates for a series of trial run over different terrains. The analysis of this data along with video recording for each trial run allowed the researchers to conclude that the accuracy of the tape follow technique was predictable on each of the terrain surfaces. The accuracy and predictability inform a non-coding construction practitioner of the optimal placement of the taped path. This paper further presents limitations and suggestions for some possible extended research options for this study.