Human–robot interaction design with augmented reality in construction

A systematic review of frameworks, applications, and future directions

Review (2026)
Author(s)

Tan Tan (The University of Hong Kong)

Xin Liu (The University of Hong Kong)

Alexander N. Walzer (ETH Zürich, Zurich University of Applied Science (ZHAW))

Ming Shan Ng (Kyoto Institute of Technology)

Daniel M. Hall (TU Delft - Design & Construction Management)

Research Group
Design & Construction Management
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42524-026-5039-0 Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Research Group
Design & Construction Management
Journal title
ENGINEERING Management
Issue number
1
Volume number
13
Pages (from-to)
85-104
Downloads counter
49
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Abstract

Research in human–robot Interaction (HRI) has increasingly demonstrated how Augmented Reality (AR) enables better interactions between humans and robots. However, the design of HRI remains less understood. Through a systematic literature review of 53 related papers, this research provides an overview of the emerging applications and trends for AR and identifies three types of AR interfaces as follows: 1) remote modular interface, 2) proximal modular interface, and 3) proximal integral interface. The review indicates potential future directions of construction-oriented and human-centric interaction design studies, leading to four pairs of subsystems, which are frequently modularised or integrated, and three conceptual frameworks for HRI interfaces are proposed. Moreover, this research contributes to the theoretical exploration of interaction design. Future applications can adapt to various tasks by using the proposed three conceptual frameworks for interfaces, as well as combining the four proposed subsystem pairs to suit specific task requirements in the construction sector.