Ruoxin Xiong, Ph.D., assistant professor of Construction Management at Kent State University's College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED), is advancing research at the intersection of emerging technologies, construction innovation and workforce development through three research initiatives supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
The projects address several important challenges facing the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the advancement of construction automation and robotics, and the development of a skilled workforce to support Ohio's transportation infrastructure.
Advancing Open-Source Innovation in the AEC Industry
As principal investigator, Xiong received a $299,996 award from the NSF for POSE: Phase I: OpenConstruction: Scoping a Sustainable Open-Source Ecosystem for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Community. Running from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027, the project will establish a foundation for OpenConstruction, an open-science ecosystem designed to make digital resources across the AEC industry more discoverable, connected, reusable and ready for AI applications.
The initiative will bring together researchers, educators, industry professionals and other stakeholders to explore a sustainable, community-driven model for sharing knowledge and digital resources. By encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and responsible AI innovation, the project aims to improve access to information and support technological advancement throughout the AEC community.
Xiong is also a co-principal investigator on a collaborative NSF-funded project, POSE: Phase I: Open-Source Ecosystems for Construction Automation and Robotics Education. Led by researchers at Stony Brook University, the initiative focuses on expanding access to educational resources and open-source technologies in construction automation and robotics. The project will explore ways to create a shared ecosystem where educators, students and industry practitioners can access, develop and contribute to resources that support learning and innovation in these emerging fields.
Addressing Ohio's Transportation Workforce Needs
In addition to his NSF-supported research, Xiong has been selected to lead an ODOT FY2027 research project titled Needs Analysis of Workforce Deficiencies and Solutions in the Heavy Highway Transportation Industry. Developed in collaboration with Kent State CAED Construction Management Program Director Suat Günhan, the project will examine workforce shortages, critical skill gaps and potential strategies to strengthen Ohio's heavy highway transportation workforce.
The research will explore the challenges facing the industry and identify opportunities to better prepare workers for the demands of transportation construction. Through engagement with transportation agencies, contractors, workforce organizations, educators and other industry stakeholders, the project aims to identify practical solutions that support workforce development and the long-term needs of Ohio's transportation infrastructure.
Together, these three research initiatives reflect the growing role of technology, collaboration and workforce development in shaping the future of construction. Through his work, Xiong is contributing to research that connects academic innovation with real-world industry challenges while creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration across the construction and transportation sectors.
