👏 Welcome to the CHAT Lab!

Construction Human-centric Automation & Technology (CHAT) Lab is dedicated to autonomous technology applications on construction sites. We are interested in integrating human knowledge and prioritizing human-centric design for technology-empowered construction automation. We are particularly interested in the role of AI in this human-technology interaction (HTI) process. Currently, our research focus includes: (1) Human-Technology Interaction in the Construction Workplace; (2) Generative AI, Computing-Powered Construction Application; (3) Smart Contracts for Decentralized Construction Management.

Prospective Students

• The CHAT Lab is looking for one Ph.D. student starting in Spring/Fall 2026. Details about the position can be found here. Students who are already enrolled in UNC Charlotte, and anyone who is located in the U.S will be preferred!
• We also welcome visiting scholars and exchange students from around the world who are interested in construction technology and automation.
• If you are interested in collaboration, please contact Dr. Gongfan Chen.

News

• [2025.11] CHAT Lab received a grant from UNC Charlotte OUR program to work on Edge AI in construction applications in Spring 2026.
• [2025.11] CHAT Lab received two grants from UNC Charlotte SoTL program to work on AI in Teaching and Learning.
• [2025.10] Dr. Chen has been selected as a member of the Innovation Incubator Faculty from urbanCORE to work on Charlotte’s identified Opportunity Corridors.
• [2025.10] Dr. Gongfan Chen started an affiliated position with the Charlotte AI Institute.
• [2025.10] Dr. Gongfan Chen started an affiliated position with the Charlotte AIR Institute.
• [2025.09] Journal paper “Using a Large Language Model-Powered Framework for Automatic Risk Identification and Mitigation from Past Claims and Supplemental Agreements” has been accepted by the ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering.
• [2025.08] Dr. Gongfan Chen started his position at UNC Charlotte!
• [2025.07] Dr. Chen presents CII-funded research “RT-398: Fit-for-Purpose Handbook for Effective Implementation of CII Best Practices” at the 2025 CII annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee! click here
• [2025.05] 🎉 The CHAT Lab is now live!
• [2025.04] Dr. Gongfan Chen will join the Department of Engineering Technology and Construction Management at the UNC Charlotte as an Assistant Professor this coming August!