Australia's construction industry plays a vital role in delivering housing, infrastructure and economic growth.
The Hon Julian Hill MP views a robotics demonstration at the launch of the ARC Research Hub for Human‑Robot Teaming for Sustainable and Resilient Construction at the University of Technology Sydney. The Hub is developing human‑centred robotics designed to support people at work and help reduce exposure to high‑risk tasks in construction Photo: Supplied/UTS.
The construction industry employs more than 1 million people nationwide and is one of our country's largest industries. At the same time, the industry faces persistent challenges, including workforce shortages, safety risks and physically demanding work.
Responding to these challenges will require approaches that support people at work, reduce exposure to high-risk tasks and help extend capability across the workforce.
The ARC Research Hub for Human‑Robot Teaming for Sustainable and Resilient Construction (HaRTCon) is working to strengthen long‑term capability and improve productivity across the industry by developing robotics designed to support people working in construction environments.
Launched at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the Hub is focused on creating technologies to support more sustainable work practices.
Partnership‑driven research with practical application
Supported by the Australian Research Council, the Hub brings together universities, industry and government partners to ensure research is grounded in [practical needs and can be translated into practice.
Led by Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu at UTS, the Hub builds strong collaboration across the construction and innovation ecosystem. This partnership approach supports how work is organised, how skills are developed and how new technologies are adopted on construction sites.
Focus areas include:
- robotics and intelligent systems designed around people at work
- reducing high‑risk and physically demanding construction tasks
- safer and more productive work practices
- workforce capability, resilience and sustainability.
Research that builds national capability
The Hub was officially launched at UTS by Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education, the Hon Julian Hill MP, alongside ARC Deputy CEO Mr Anthony Murfett, researchers and industry partners.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Murfett highlighted the importance of supporting technologies that work alongside people.
"New technologies deliver the greatest benefit when they support human judgement, reduce risk and extend capability," Mr Murfett said.
This focus reflects the ARC's role in supporting research that builds long‑term national capability, strengthens collaboration between universities, industry and government, and contributes to solutions that matter for Australia's future.
Supporting people with technology
Construction remains one of Australia's most physically demanding and high‑risk industries. Many roles involve hazardous environments, heavy manual work and sustained physical strain over long careers.
By designing robotics and intelligent systems that support people and reduce exposure to dangerous tasks, the Hub is extending human capability, improving safety on worksites and supporting more resilient and inclusive construction careers.
Contribution to Australia's future
By supporting research that works alongside industry and responds to workforce and safety challenges, this Hub highlights the ARC's role in investing in research with long‑term national value.
Through collaboration and a strong focus on translation, the Hub will contribute to safer workplaces, stronger capability and the responsible adoption of new technologies, supporting Australia's construction industry now and into the future.
ARC Research Hub for Human‑Robot Teaming for Sustainable and Resilient Construction (HaRTCon)
- Administering organisation: University of Technology Sydney
- Hub Director: Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu
- ARC funding: $5 million over 5 years
