Toward Humanoid Robots in Construction: A Teleoperation Feasibility Study

2026-09-30

AI Summary

This study addresses the challenges of hazardous construction environments and the limited autonomy of humanoid robots by proposing a hybrid teleoperation platform based on the Unitree G1. We introduce a novel architecture integrating extended reality (XR) with foot-pedal controls, enabling a single operator to simultaneously manipulate upper-body tasks and lower-body navigation. This approach effectively resolves complex whole-body coordination challenges while ensuring high-quality data acquisition. Experimental evaluations demonstrate that the system achieves success rates of 100% and 80% in tool transportation and surface painting tasks, respectively. Although execution efficiency remains below human performance baselines, these results substantiate the platform's significant potential for deployment in dangerous construction scenarios.

Abstract

We present a teleoperation system that enables a single operator to perform construction tasks on a Unitree G1 humanoid, combining extended reality (XR) based upper body control with pedal-based locomotion to enable simultaneous manipulation and locomotion. Motivated by persistent labor shortages, hazardous working conditions, and challenges in humanoid autonomy, we investigate teleoperation as a practical near-term approach for reducing physical strain on workers while generating high quality demonstration data. We evaluate the system on two representative construction tasks drawn from O*NET occupational database, and report task success and completion time relative to a manual baseline. The system achieved 100% success on tool transport and 80% success on surface painting, with teleoperation requiring substantially more time compared to manual execution.

Problem

• humanoid robots
• construction
• teleoperation
• labor shortage
• demonstration data

Innovation

• Humanoid Robot Teleoperation
• Extended Reality (XR)
• Simultaneous Manipulation and Locomotion
• Demonstration Data Generation
• Construction Robotics