Path-finder. AI-based path planning system

The issue of constructability has emerged as a primary area of concern in construction planning. To avoid constructability problems, which may result in construction rework, it is necessary to evaluate the constructability of each component at the planning stage, within the constraints of the equipment to be used. This ensures that the planning process generates a feasible construction sequence. This paper presents Path-Finder, an artificial intelligence (AI) based system for improving the constructability of construction facilities. This improvement is accomplished by visual simulation of the construction process during the design phase to avoid future constructability problems. By using a 3D computer model of the designed facility, it is possible to check for the constructability of different sequencing scenarios of various components of the facility prior to construction start. The goal of Path-Finder is to find a collision-free path, to move a specified object from one position and orientation in the 3D computer model to another position and orientation using available manipulation mechanisms (handling equipment). This work focuses on providing a problem-solving strategy to obtain a valid path in a reasonable amount of time. Path-Finder ensures that the solution is a path along which the specified object can always be moved using available manipulation mechanisms. Path-Finder has been implemented in a real-time animation and visualization package called Walkthru.