A Review of the Impact of Construction Automation and Robotics on Project Delivery

Abstract

The use of construction technologies is to improve working conditions, improve health and safety, scheduling and improving quality of the construction products. Construction automation redefines construction with machines and advanced technology to mitigate the problems faced in construction, such as labour-related issues among others. To adequately understand the impact of automation and robotics in the construction industry, this study is aimed at reviewing extant literature on how automation and robotics can be put into use in the construction industry as it is being used in the manufacturing industry. The study employed a systematic literature review approach and sourced for published journal and conference articles from Web of Science and Scopus databases. The review revealed that construction automation and robotics increase accuracy of components’ dimension through the use of lasers for dimension analysis, promote design specifications through the use of computer aided designs, increase quality of construction products by ensuring standards are met, brings cost effectiveness as value for money spent is achieved, eliminate material wastage due to accurate and precise estimate of materials needed, reduce construction accidents due to the usage of machines for dangerous construction activities, improve working condition as workers’ are more secure and safety is guaranteed, and reduce labour cost given the fact that machines are deployed for construction activities.

Research focus for construction robotics and human-robot teams towards resilience in construction: scientometric review

“…While the adoption has evolved slowly, studies are instructive as Akinradewo et al (2021) posit robotics enhances accuracy through the use of lasers for analysis of dimensions, standardised methods to design specifications, effective lifecycle cost, improved working conditions and waste reduction. The HRT/robotics research area is growing; studies across a wide range have focused on sustainability, prefabrication, trust, safety, ergonomics, HTI and artificial intelligence.…”

Overview of Emerging Technologies for Improving the Performance of Heavy-Duty Construction Machines

“…Automation and robotics have recently been introduced into the construction industry. These approaches use a combination of computers, machine components, and software to systematically run the equipment [7]. These technologies are used to improve the work environment, health and safety, scheduling, product quality, and reduce on-site labor costs [7].…”

“…These approaches use a combination of computers, machine components, and software to systematically run the equipment [7]. These technologies are used to improve the work environment, health and safety, scheduling, product quality, and reduce on-site labor costs [7]. Workers can be replaced by machines that are significantly faster and more consistent when using robotics and automation.…”

“…In comparison to construction, the manufacturing sector is more advanced in utilizing digital solutions, and research shows that most digitization processes in construction share similar challenges to that of manufacturing. The construction equipment industry has a well-established distribution network that employs comparable production methods [7].…”

“…Companies and workers are also reluctant to adopt innovative solutions as they believe that can complicate the existing procedures by acquiring changes and disrupt existing workflow [6]. Other than that, the high cost of critical gears, such as advanced excavators, cranes, and trucks, makes the industry more traditional [7]. In contrast, digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoTs) can improve the productivity of heavy-duty machinery operations owing to data-driven methodologies [8].…”