Robotics and automation for sustainable construction: microscoping the barriers to implementation

Abstract

PurposeThis study presents the results of an assessment of the barriers that can hinder the deployment of robotics and automation systems in developing countries through the lens of the Nigerian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA scoping literature review was conducted through which barriers to the adoption of robotics and automation systems were identified, which helped in the formulation of a questionnaire survey. Data were obtained from construction professionals including architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors. Retrieved data were analyzed using percentages, frequencies, mean item scores and exploratory factor analysis.FindingsBased on the mean scores, the top five barriers were the fragmented nature of the construction process, resistance by workers and unions, hesitation to adopt innovation, lack of capacity and expertise and lack of support from top-level managers. Through factor analysis, the barriers identified were categorized into four principal clusters namely, industry, human, economic and technical-related barriers.Practical implicationsThis study provided a good theoretical and empirical foundation that can be useful to construction industry stakeholders, decision-makers, policymakers and the government in mapping out strategies to promote the incorporation and deployment of automation and robotics into the construction industry to attain the safety benefits they offer.Originality/valueBy identifying and evaluating the challenges that hinder the implementation of robotics and automation systems in the Nigerian construction industry, this study makes a significant contribution to knowledge in an area where limited studies exist.

Evaluating the drivers for the implementation of automation techniques in the Nigerian construction sector

“…For this reason, the construction industry has been criticized for its poor safety records as well as low productivity despite the high levels of human input into its activities, operations and processes. Due to their capabilities in boosting productivity, creating a more efficient work environment and increasing safety on construction sites, the emergence of exoskeletons has been considered another game-changing automation technique for the construction sector (Oke et al, 2023). Exoskeletons are described as mechanical devices that are worn by construction workers to augment and boost human performance (Delgado et al, 2019).…”

“…, 2019). Considering that the construction industry has been ranked as one of the most dangerous sectors worldwide (Oke et al. , 2023), the adoption of automation techniques can help to safeguard the health and wellbeing of workers on construction sites.…”

“…Due to the highly demanding and repetitive nature of construction activities, especially in developing nations where construction is still driven by manual labor, the adoption of automation techniques can be a game-changer for the execution of projects (Oke et al, 2019). Considering that the construction industry has been ranked as one of the most dangerous sectors worldwide (Oke et al, 2023), the adoption of automation techniques can help to safeguard the health and wellbeing of workers on construction sites.…”

Editorial: Innovation and lean practices for sustainable construction project management; emerging technologies, strategies and challenges

“…VR and AR provide immersive experiences for visualizing projects before they are built, enhancing decision-making and training (Adebowale and Agumba, 2024). Robotics and AI bring automation and smart analytics, respectively, optimizing construction processes, reducing errors and improving safety (Abioye et al, 2021;Oke et al, 2024). Together, these technologies contribute to solving critical issues in construction, such as cost overruns, project delays and safety concerns, leading to more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective construction practices.This issue, "Innovation and Lean Practices for Sustainable Construction Project Management," presents 12 landmark papers.…”

“…The key barriers identified from the meta-analysis include inadequate training and education among construction professionals, poor execution of sustainability ethics, negative public attitudes toward sustainability, a lack of awareness and understanding, absence of precise data and integrated study and inappropriate priorities regarding sustainability. Oke et al (2024), conducting a quantitative approach, presented the results of assessing the barriers that can hinder the deployment of robotics and automation systems in developing countries, using the Nigerian construction industry as a case study. This study highlights the top five barriers: the fragmented nature of the construction process, resistance by workers and unions, hesitation to adopt innovation, lack of capacity and expertise and lack of support from top-level managers.…”