Use of 3-D product models in construction process automation

Current construction design methods are not able to produce all the information necessary for the construction process. Increased exploitation of building design information, especially dimensional control and identification, is necessary. The construction industry should take advantage of automation to increase productivity and quality. ‘Product model thinking’ is designed to solve these problems, but demands advanced devices and changes in traditional working methods. This paper describes some key aspects of product model thinking and its exploitation on the construction site in the near future.