Technological assessment for the development of a novel autonomous mobile operating machine with supervision to enhance safety in construction sites

Within construction activities for buildings, roads, and civil infrastructures, machine operators play crucial roles in driving and managing machines and other equipment used for earthmoving, site preparation, erection or modification of structures, and finishing operations. During these tasks, operators are directly exposed to multiple severe occupational risks, closely related to the specific activity and machinery employed. Recent advancements in automation technologies - capable of providing increasing levels of autonomy and intelligence - offer promising applications in the civil construction sector to make working tasks safer and healthier. In this context, the paper presents a preparatory study for a novel concept of an autonomous mobile operating machine designed for civil construction sites, capable of performing operations without the presence of an onboard operator, thereby reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions. The design and implementation of the new system will be carried out in compliance with the requirements of the upcoming EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 (MR) and aligns with the principles of economic, environmental, social, and safety sustainability. Limiting the presence of the operator means designing multifunctional and fully autonomous machines with the integration of the supervisory function. This article aims to examine the most suitable technologies and solutions for the development of an autonomous mobile machine that is technologically sustainable in the context of civil construction sites where it is necessary to carry out safe work. The results of this analysis are the first step in a research activity which aims at the development of the completely autonomous mobile operating machine, for two or more functions and supported by a robust control and supervision system compliant with the MR. The preparatory study was carried out within the research project MACHINE5.0, funded by the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) under the 2024 Bando di Ricerca in Collaborazione (BRiC) program.

Keywords: autonomous mobile machine, supervisory function, construction sites, safety assessment, technological survey.