HIGH TECH

SYSTEMS
Building Automation
System (BAS)
■ Building automation system is the
automatic centralized control of a
building’s HVAC, lighting, access control,
security systems, and other interrelated
systems through a Building Management
System or Building Automation System.
When facilities are monitored and controlled in a
seamless fashion, this creates a much more reliable
working environment for the building’s tenants.
Furthermore, the efficiency introduced through
automation allows the building’s facility
management team to adopt more sustainable
practices and reduce energy costs.

These are the four core functions of a building automation system:

■ To control the building environment
■ To operate systems according to occupancy and energy demand
■ To monitor and correct system performance
■ To alert or sound alarms when needed
■ At optimal performance levels, an automated building is greener and more user-friendly
than a non-controlled building.
WHAT IS CONTROLLED
IN THE BUILDING A key component in BAS is called a controller. Controllers regulate the
AUTOMATION performance of various facilities within the building.
SYSTEM?

■ Mechanical systems
■ Heating, Ventilation and HVAC
systems,
– Chillers
– Boilers
– Air Handling Units (AHU)
– Roof top Units (RTUs)
– Fan Coil Units (FCUs)
– Heat Pump Units (HPUs)
– Variable Air Volume
Boxes (VAVs)
WHAT IS CONTROLLED
IN THE BUILDING
AUTOMATION
SYSTEM?
■ Electrical systems, including
lighting control
■ Security systems, including
surveillance cameras (CCTVs)
and alarms
■ Card and keypad access
■ Plumbing and water monitoring
systems
■ Fire alarms, and other
emergency systems
■ Elevators and escalators, etc.

Modern building automation system monitor the various facilities it controls to understand how to
optimize for MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY.
THE EVOLUTION OF SMART
BUILDINGS
• Automated buildings relied on pneumatic controls in which
compressed air was the medium of exchange for the monitors
1950s and controllers in the system.

• Major technology trends emerged: creation of personal

computer industry; and services and innovations entered the
Early telecom marketplace.
1980s

• Microprocessors had become small enough and sufficiently

inexpensive that they could be implemented in building
automation systems. Moving from compressed air to analog
1980s controls to digital controls was nothing short of a revolution

• A decade later, open protocols were introduced that allowed

the controlled facilities to communicate with one another. By
the turn of the millennium, wireless technology allowed Buildings controlled by BAS are often
1990s components to communicate without cable attachments. called smart or intelligent buildings.
THE EVOLUTION OF SMART
BUILDINGS
■ Early control systems were pneumatic or air-based and restricted to controlling various
aspects on HVAC system. Large base installations throughout 1960s and 1970s.
■ Analog electronic control devices in 1980s, which provided faster response and higher
precision than pneumatics.
■ DDC or Digital control devices in 1990s paved way to a true automation system. The
automation system was fully functional but was not interoperable, or capable of mixing
products from various manufacturers.
■ By the late 1990s and especially 2000s, movements to standardize on “open”
communication systems. Communication protocols such as BACnet eventually became
the industry open standard.

Direct Digital Control (DDC) — DDC is the method by which the components of a
digital system communicate. This refers to the automated control of a condition or process
by a digital device.
Some modest technological advancements in
buildings are:

Structured cabling systems,

Audio visual systems, building automation controllers with

direct digital control (DDC),

Conditioned space for network equipment,

Access control systems,

Video surveillance.
MAIN COMPONENTS OF BAS
Building Automation Systems can be implemented either during initial construction or through a retrofitting
process for an existing structure.
MAIN COMPONENTS OF BAS
These devices measure values such as CO2 output
and track the temperature, humidity, and the number
of people in a room, the lighting level and other
values. The sensors transmit information to the
centralized controllers.

Acts as the brain of the building automation

system. It collects data from the sensors and
then commands to the HVAC units, lighting
systems, security alarms and other connected
interrelated systems.
MAIN COMPONENTS OF BAS
Once the controller sends out a command, actuators
and relays go into action to follow the requirements.
For example, they can reduce or increase the heating in
a particular part of the building, dim lights in unused
offices, or turn on the air conditioning before people
come to work.
Example devices are relays and actuators.

A digital controller can receive input data, apply logic (an algorithm, just as
Google does with search data) to that information, then send out a command
What are the three major elements of a
control loop? based on what information was processed.
A control loop consists of a sensor, a
controller and an actuator. This is best illustrated by the basic three-part DDC loop:
How are sensors used in control loops?
Sensors convert physical changes into • Sensor detects an increase in temperature in a company’s board room when the room is
signals (typically electrical) which can be known to be unoccupied.
acted on by a controller. • The controller will apply logic according to what it knows: That no one is expected in
How do controllers and computers of a
that room, thus there is no demand for additional heat, thus there is no need for that
BAS communicate with each other?
The controllers and computers of a BAS room to warm up. It then sends a command to the heating system to reduce output.
communicate with each other over a digital • The actual heating unit for the boardroom in question receives that command and dials
network. back its heat output. All of this appears to happen almost instantaneously.
MAIN COMPONENTS OF BAS
Every building automation system uses specific
language to connect each individual component.
Protocols such as BACnet and Modbus help each
component to send and receive information in order to
adjust its settings and execute.

These are the screens or interfaces humans use to interact

with the BAS. The dashboard is where building data are
reported.

Every BAS has a user interface or terminal from which

building, and facility operators can access it. This
terminal helps users to understand the information
transferred between each component and gives the
opportunity for making adjustments manually. 
The displays are visual with photo-realistic graphics.
These graphics usually show each floor plan with each
piece of equipment.  
Most of the activity within a BAS takes place out of sight
from a building’s occupants. The collectors are discreet,
and the controllers and output devices are hidden from
view, just as wiring and plumbing are.
Most of the automation system is
behind the scenes as hardware
devices mounted to equipment or
hidden underfloor or in the
ceiling. Some personalized
control can be made available
through thermostat-like devices.
From a central management
perspective, the BAS resides as
software on an operator
workstation (computer) or is
available as a web page.

Various types of “controllers”

manage equipment and portions
of the network. “Sensors”
provide input data to the
controllers.
WHAT A BUILDING AUTOMATION
SYSTEM CAN DO

It can set up the lighting and HVAC BAS can get the various components
systems to operate on a schedule that and facilities within a building to
make those systems both more coordinate and work together toward
intelligent and more efficient. greater overall efficiency.

It can optimize the flow of incoming

It can tell you when an HVAC unit is
outside air to regulate freshness,
running in both heating and cooling
temperature and comfort inside the
helping to reduce utility costs.
building.
WHAT A BUILDING AUTOMATION
SYSTEM CAN DO

It can know when an emergency such It can detect a problem with one of the building’s
facilities — such as, for example, an elevator
as a fire breaks out and turn off any
getting stuck with people inside — and send an
facilities that could endanger building instant message or an email to the building’s
occupants. facility manager to alert him/her of the problem.

It can turn a camera on a begin

It can identify who and when recording when activity takes place –
someone is entering and leaving a and send an alert and direct camera
building feed to the security team and facility
manager.
BENEFITS OF BUILDING AUTOMATION
SYSTEM O C C U P A N T S’ C O M F O R T AND
F I NAN C IAL AS PE CT O C C U P A N T S’ C O M F O R T AND
PRO DUCTIVITY

Smarter control over the building’s internal environment

will keep occupants happier, thereby reducing
The place where a BAS can save a building owner
complaints and time spent resolving those complaints.
a significant amount of money is in utility bills. A
The biggest benefit of having an automated HVAC
more energy-efficient building simply costs less to
system is having proper temperature in winter and
run.
summer by regulating the temperature before anyone
Even though implementing a BAS is a very arrives in the building and after everyone leaves.
expensive project, properly used one pays for Properly configured BAS can help to build operators to
itself over time by lowering the maintenance costs avoid unpleasant calls of employees feeling too hot or
and utility bills. There are many studies that show too cold,
by allowing BAS to monitor and adjust the HVAC
Another benefit that contributes to the occupants’
system according to the occupancy, there can be
comfort is the ability to maximize the use of natural
cost savings from 10 - 30 %.
light, then to regulate the amount of fresh air in the
building and more. Usually, when people start feeling
sleepy and lethargic it’s because of the lack of fresh air
and oxygen.
BENEFITS OF BUILDING
AUTOMATION SYSTEM
E N V I R O N M E N TALLY F R I E N D LY

The key to an automated building’s reduced environmental impact is its energy

efficiency. By reducing energy consumption, a BAS can reduce the output of
greenhouse gases and improve the building’s indoor air quality, the latter of which ties
back into bottom-line concerns about occupant productivity.
Furthermore, an automated building can monitor and thus control waste in facilities
such as the plumbing and wastewater systems. By reducing waste through efficiencies,
a BAS can leave an even smaller environmental footprint.
BENEFITS OF BUILDING
AUTOMATION SYSTEM

Lowers Utility Costs

Maintains Measured Comfort

Reduces Occupant Complaints

Reduces Maintenance Cost

Simplifies Building Operation

ROBOTICS AND
AUTOMATED
SYSTEMS IN
CONSTRUCTIO
N
ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATED
SYSTEMS IN CONSTRUCTION
■ Robotics in architecture and construction is transforming the way architects approach their
designs. Robotics and automated systems have the potential to revolutionize and provide
many advantages to the industry and to the Architecture, Engineering and Construction as
a whole.

■ Proved to be effective in reducing labor cost while improving productivity and quality;
reduce injuries and free workers from dangerous tasks in traditional construction methods.

■ Robotics technologies have the potential to address productivity challenges of construction

industry.

Source: Robotics and automated systems in construction: Understanding industry-specific challenges for adoption
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710219300889
THE ROLE OF ROBOTICS IN ARCHITECTURE AND
CONSTRUCTION 
Robotics in architecture and construction is an emerging technology, but it is not exactly
an uncharted territory. Architects are already using robotics in architecture and
construction to perform tasks like: 

Accounting for
material Helping
Producing Creating
Assembling expansion or buildings meet
accurate 3D construction
pieces on-site mathematical sustainability
models parts 
errors during goals
construction

https://www.bdcnetwork.com/blog/robotics-architecture-and-construction-industry-shift
THE ROLE OF ROBOTICS IN ARCHITECTURE
AND CONSTRUCTION 
■ Producing accurate 3D models: Robots build small-scale models of buildings with great precision, particularly using
3D printing. Moreover, architects can test different types of materials in these models to determine which materials will
be strongest or most flexible in areas that need added strength or flexibility. 
■ Creating construction parts: Robotic manufacturing tools mill both large and small custom-building pieces with great
accuracy and detail. Some robotics manufacturers are also incorporating multiple tools into a single robot so that the
entire process can be done in one place and in less time. 
■ Assembling pieces on-site: Long robotic arms replace cranes on some construction sites. Robotics experts are also
beginning to use drones and robotic helicopters to put small bricks and other pieces into place that would normally
require the use of a hydraulic lift or elaborate scaffolding. 
■ Accounting for material expansion or mathematical errors during construction: Porous materials sometimes
expand when they get wet. Architects either have to account for this expansion mathematically when they order the
materials or use expansion joints during construction. If the parts don’t fit together, it could delay the project by months
while architects wait for new pieces to be manufactured. On-site robots respond in real-time to construction errors by
either changing the dimensions of the existing piece or manufacturing a brand- new piece within hours or sometimes
minutes. 
■ Helping buildings meet sustainability goals: Architects can embed robots directly into the building itself that monitor
temperature, lighting levels, air quality, motion, and more. These small robots, called edge monkeys, are installed in the
building’s facade and programmed to adjust thermostats, windows, blinds, lights, and doors to save energy. 
Off-site prefabrication systems

On-site automated and robotic systems

Drones and autonomous vehicles

Exoskeletons

TYPES OF AUTOMATION AND ROBOTIC

TECHNOLOGIES FOR CONSTRUCTION:
OFF-SITE
AUTOMATED
PREFABRICATION
SYSTEMS
■ Category that includes various
technologies that produce
building components at off-site
locations in an automated
manner.
■ Main objective was to improve
quality of prefabricated
materials and took inspiration
from use of robots in other
manufacturing sectors
■ Building component
manufacturing (BCM) to
transform materials (concrete,
wood, bricks, steel, etc.) to high-
level building components.
■ Additive Manufacturing
Techniques: 3D printing
ON-SITE AUTOMATED AND
ROBOTIC SYSTEMS

■ Includes automated and robotic systems directly

used at the construction site.
■ Single Task Construction Robots or SCTR – can
execute a single task in a repetitive manner.
■ Example: robotic arms used in automotive
manufacturing, usually mounted in movable
platforms and used on site to perform simple tasks.
DRONES AND
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
■ Includes terrestrial, aerial or nautical vehicles that can be
piloted remotely, or which are autonomous (no conductor is
required).
■ Used for various tasks like:
– Accessing extreme and dangerous environments
– Surveying and monitoring tasks
– Automated excavating, demolition and transportation
of materials.

■ Drones can be used to sample extreme environments and to

study harsh and unreachable sites.
EXOSKELETONS

■ Exoskeletons are wearable devices that work together

with user as opposed to a robot which performs the tasks
autonomously instead of the worker. They are
mechanical devices used to amplify human
performance.
■ Help construction workers reduce the high-impact of job
and improve productivity by allowing them to life heavy
loads, reduce fatigue and injuries to maintain a healthier
workforce.
■ Can enable those part of the ageing workforce. (allows
older workers to carry out physically demanding tasks.
Category Description, types, and use

1. Off-site automated prefabrication systems Production of building components off-site in an automated manner
• Building Component Manufacturing (BCM)
• Large-scale prefabrication (LSP)
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
2. On-site automated and robotic systems Automated and robotic systems used directly on the construction site
• Single task construction robots (STCRs) for bricklaying, steel-truss
assembly, steel welding, façade installation, wall painting, concrete
laying, etc.
• Robotic on-site factories
• Swarms and robots for building component assembly

3. Drones and autonomous vehicles Terrestrial, aerial or nautical vehicles that can be plotted remotely or
which are autonomous.
• Access to extreme and dangerous environments
• Surveying. Inspection and monitoring
• Automated drilling, excavation and earth moving

4. Exoskeletons Wearable devices that work together with the user as opposed to a robot
which performs the task autonomously.
• Improve worker productivity and allows worker to lift heavy load,
reduce fatigue
• Reduce injuries
AMBIENT ■ Following the concepts and developments of construction
automation, SCTR approaches, service robot systems, and
ROBOTICS: other microsystems technology are merging with built
environments becoming inherent elements of buildings,
TECHNOLOGI building components and building furniture.
ES FOR
MAINTENANC ■ Optimized care environments are developed in which
E, service robots are interacting with physical environment,
embedded with medical sensors and subsystems, which
ASSISTANCE, enables for multidimensional assistance and a broad set of
AND SERVICE modular and customizable services.
■ http://controlyourbuilding.com/blog/entry/the-ultimate-guide-to-building-automation
■ https://www.bdcnetwork.com/blog/robotics-architecture-and-construction-industry-shift
■ https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/4682338/mod_resource/content/1/1-s2.0-
S092658051500165X-main.pdf
■ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710219300889#bib48