Automation in New Zealand's offsite construction (OSC): a status update

Abstract

PurposeAutomation facilitates production activities within offsite construction (OSC) projects through computer-controlled and mechanised systems that can be programmed to deliver various products in a self-regulating sequence. Despite known benefits of automation to offsite production, the level of automation adoption in New Zealand is low. This study is an effort to understand the current status of automation within the New Zealand construction industry and to identify the barriers and enablers to its uptake.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilises the qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews (open-ended questions). Using a referral sampling strategy (snowballing), fifteen New Zealand industry experts were interviewed, and the data collected were analysed using qualitative content analysis.FindingsThe study found that there is a weak business case for full automation. Four main categories of barriers to the uptake of automated OSC were identified, including requirement of high capital cost, lack of education about automation and OSC and non-existence of regulations to support OSC. It was noted that financial supports to the OSC sub-sector in form of subsidies, tax waivers, and enhanced leasing model could enhance the uptake of automation. Further to this more awareness about OSC's automation and regulations suitable for OSC could enhance the confidence of business owners to invest in this area.Originality/valueOriginality of this paper stems from the fact that, not much attention has been paid to investigating the uptake of automation for OSC sub-sector of construction industry in New Zealand context.

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“…This paper presents some useful information which can help the prefabricated housing industry in New Zealand to understand the importance of transportable housing while considering sustainability and low energy emissions with enhanced automation (Darlow et al, 2021). This study provides a guide to develop a BIM and performed a LCA of a PHB when the BIPV system was employed in the house.…”

Transaction Cost of Offsite Construction (OSC): A New Zealand Study

“…Offsite construction (OSC) is the method of construction in which the manufacturing of building panels and components takes place in a controlled factory environment. These manufactured units are then transported to the project location for installation [7,8]. Luo et al [17] defined OSC as the first industrialisation level in the construction industry, followed by mechanization, automation, and reproduction.…”

“…BIM has ability to pick up functional design clashes, resulting in a design that is robust. Automating the manufacturing process is rated as the second most effective way to minimize transaction [8] also highlighted the need for New Zealand OSC to uptake automation to improve its cost performance. Automation of OSC has several other benefits as well such as higher production rate, increased efficiency, more productive use of materials, improved product quality, improved safety, and less amount of waste generated.…”

“…Incorporating more effective building methods in the construction industry, like offsite construction (OSC), is essential to meet the growing demand for housing [7]. Replacing traditional construction practices with OSC has the potential to increase the quality and speed of construction [8]. OSC is widely used in countries like UK, USA, Sweden, and Japan.…”

The Status Quo of Prefabricated Housing: An investigation into New Zealand Construction Sector

“…According to previous research, there has not been an adequate understanding of SCM and the growth in its performance in residential construction in NZ. It is essential to have an exhaustive knowledge of the basic requirements to improve the design for following consents and reduce the construction stage' complexities [54]. Numerous studies associated with the construction SC have investigated and improved the SC's network [55].…”