Modeling the robotics implementation barriers for construction projects in developing countries

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the barriers militating against the adoption of robotics in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachRobotics implementation barriers were obtained from the previous studies and then through questionnaire survey construction stakeholders in Nigeria evaluate these barriers. Consequently, these barriers were examined via the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) technique. Furthermore, a model of these barriers was implemented by means of a partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe EFA results showed that these barriers could be categorized into two: cost and technology. Results obtained from the proposed model showed that platform tools were crucial tools for implementing cloud computing.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research work will be provided a solid foundation for critically assessing and appreciating the different barriers affecting the adoption of robotics.

PLS-SEM assessment of the impediments of robotics and automation deployment for effective construction health and safety

“…The findings revealed that deployment of R&A for safer construction worksites in South Africa is impeded by four major groups of industry, technology, human and costrelated factors. These grouped factors are consistent with existing literature that have grouped the barriers to the use of R&A and related technologies in both developed and developing countries worldwide (Delgado et al, 2019;Huang et al, 2021;Oke et al, 2021;Trujillo and Holt, 2020). However, while Oke et al (2021) submitted that cost and technologyrelated issues are the major barriers to the use of robotics in the construction industry in Nigeria, this current study found that the barriers exceed these two groups to include industry and human-related factors.…”

“…These grouped factors are consistent with existing literature that have grouped the barriers to the use of R&A and related technologies in both developed and developing countries worldwide (Delgado et al, 2019;Huang et al, 2021;Oke et al, 2021;Trujillo and Holt, 2020). However, while Oke et al (2021) submitted that cost and technologyrelated issues are the major barriers to the use of robotics in the construction industry in Nigeria, this current study found that the barriers exceed these two groups to include industry and human-related factors. More so, it was discovered that only the industry, human and cost factors would significantly affect the attainment of better H&S, improved productivity, competitive advantage and overall project success delivered through improved H&S, as seen in Figure 3.…”

“…To this end, studies on R&A systems in the construction industry of both developed and developing countries have continued to emerge. Some of these studies have explored the implementation (Akinradewo et al, 2018;Strukov a and Líška, 2013), the barriers to its implementation (Delgado et al, 2019;Oke et al, 2021;Trujillo and Holt, 2020), its overarching impact on the industry (Akinradewo et al, 2021;Cropp, 2021), the trends in R&A advancement (Balaguer and Abderrahim, 2008;Pan and Pan, 2020; PLS-SEM assessment Son et al, 2010) and its adoption for solving specific industry-related issues (Cai et al, 2018;Jung et al, 2013).…”

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

“…Similarly, using semi-structured interviews, Pan et al (2020a, 2020b) identified the key factors that will influence the technological transformation of construction holistically by analysing the interactions between factors that will impact the future use of construction robots, whereas Oke and Kineber (2021) used a questionnaire survey to model the robotics implementation barriers for construction projects in developing countries. Bogue (2018) examined the present uses and potential future roles of robots in the construction industry through a literature review assessment approach, an approach also adopted by Mcmeel (2019) on an analysis of how new technology is implemented and combined in robots and augmented reality.…”

A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling of Robotics Implementation for Sustainable Building Projects: A Case in Nigeria

“…Respondents reported robotics drivers and adoption benefits on an experience and knowledge basis utilizing a five-point Likert scale, with scores of 5 and 1 representing very high and very low, respectively, with high, average, and low scores falling between 5 and 1. This scoring system has been broadly applied in many studies, including those concerned with construction management [84][85][86][87][88][89][90]. The study was designed to provide stakeholders with a variety of solutions based on practice in a range of construction schemes.…”