Cyber–physical infrastructure for material and construction data tracking in reconfigurable timber light-frame structures

Abstract The accessibility of construction data is essential for advancing automation and promoting circularity in the built environment. This paper presents a cyber–physical infrastructure that enhances the assembly and reuse of reconfigurable timber light-frame structures through real-time material tracking and seamless data exchange. The system integrates open-access, cloud-hosted databases with Internet of Things (IoT) technology to ensure seamless interoperability between design, material management, and assembly processes. Two assembly approaches are explored: (1) a Human–Robot Collaborative (HRC) workflow and (2) a manual multi-operator setup using Mixed Reality (MR). Both approaches incorporate closed-loop communication to minimize information loss and improve traceability. The proposed system is validated through the fabrication and assembly of four reconfigurable timber structures, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing errors, optimizing workflows, and supporting material reuse across multiple life cycles. This research contributes to digital infrastructure development for circular construction, offering a scalable framework for sustainable resource management and informed decision-making.