A survey of robotic systems for building and infrastructure inspections: Current trends and emerging solutions

Robotic systems are increasingly being deployed for the inspection of buildings and infrastructures due to their ability to enhance safety, efficiency, and precision. These systems, comprising self-contained or semi-autonomous robots equipped with advanced sensors, are designed to evaluate structural integrity, detect flaws, and monitor deterioration in real time. This systematic review investigates the current landscape and advancements in robotic technologies applied to civil engineering inspections. The primary focus is on the development and integration of intelligent robotic systems that ensure effective, accurate, and consistent monitoring of structural conditions. The review methodology complies with the preferred report items for Systematic Evaluations and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria to ensure transparency and reproducibility. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple academic databases, incorporating stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify high-quality and relevant studies. Data extraction and critical appraisal were performed systematically to ensure the reliability and validity of the findings. The integration of classification robots and machine learning analytics has notably improved defect detection accuracy, enabling more robust and intelligent structural evaluations. The results of the review reveal significant progress in using robotic systems for various civil engineering tasks, including structural inspection, excavation, welding, and concrete placement. These advancements contribute to increased safety and operational efficiency while minimizing human intervention in hazardous environments. Despite these improvements, the review also highlights the need for further research into developing scalable, adaptable, and flexible robotic solutions capable of handling complex and dynamic construction scenarios. In conclusion, robotic systems have revolutionized numerous aspects of civil engineering, and continued innovation is essential for addressing future challenges in the construction industry.