Structuring the context for construction robot development through integrated scenario approach

Abstract

The technological development of construction robots is underway globally. However, current development activities face significant uncertainties, particularly in terms of the definition and management of system requirements, which are primarily based on vague assumptions about the future. Thus, a new tool is required to grasp how construction robots-and their surrounding ecosystems-will be used. This research adopts an unprecedented scenario-based approach to develop and analyze future alternatives for construction robotics in a systematic manner. Hong Kong "toward 2035" is used as an initial test case, and four scenarios of the robot ecosystem, i.e., "Bottleneck," "Age of Iron Worker," "Dynamic Co-evolution of Robotization and Modularization," and "Rise of the Robots," are developed from evidence-based analysis. Scenarios highlight the crucial role of workers for construction robot utilization. Driving forces, opportunities, and challenges are identified for elaborating strategies under each scenario. The integrated scenario approach and findings lay an important foundation for systems engineering processes in construction robotics to develop a new tool for structuring system context and specifying system requirements.

Facilitating Digital Transformation in Construction—A Systematic Review of the Current State of the Art

“…DT is about introducing digital technologies and implementing the correct technologies by assessing the business needs, strategizing for the future needs, and developing a roadmap to the future (Murray, 2018;Shapiro et al, 2019). Therefore, there is a need to employ a strategic implementation of digital technologies to facilitate the enablers of DT while suppressing the barriers against it in construction (Pan et al, 2020). Full-scale DT has a wide range of benefits at the industry level (through increased productivity and market share), organizational level (through sustained competitiveness and lowered costs in construction companies), and project level (through improved project performance and safety) in construction (Agarwal et al, 2016).…”

“…This is relevant to ensure that digital technologies are implemented only where efficiency of construction tasks can be achieved and vice versa (Newman et al, 2020). For instance, the potential of using robots to improve efficiency on construction sites is still shrouded in uncertainty (Pan et al, 2020) and this has increased the need to identify the digital technologies that are easier and less burdensome to implement (Dallasega et al, 2018). Particularly, in small organizations, digital technologies that are simple and familiar and better adaptable to the operation process should be a strategic choice (Pham et al, 2020).…”

“…Encouraging the young generation to use digital technologies to perform construction tasks is key to DT in construction (Koseoglu et al, 2019). Another key aspect is that the construction sector is an intellectual space where digital talents are challenged and cultivated with creative professional opportunities that lead to DT progress (Singh, 2019;Pan et al, 2020). This is accentuated by the limited knowledge of construction in the IT industry, which creates a digital opportunity for construction professionals and practitioners (Woodhead et al, 2018).…”

“…This model underscores the importance of higher education in the journey toward DT in the construction industry. Interindustry digital training is increasing in the construction industry (Goulding et al, 2018;Darko et al, 2020) which, for instance, has been useful to harvest prefabrication and robotics development skills from manufacturing and engineering sectors, respectively (Pan et al, 2020;Singh, 2019).…”

“…The construction industry is experiencing an increasing implementation of digital technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), laser scanning, robotics, 3D printing, prefabrication and DfMa platforms, analytics software, blockchain, digital twins, internet of things (IoTs), and machine learning solutions throughout the built asset lifecycle (e.g., project, organization, and industry levels) (Ibem and Laryea, 2014;Koch et al, 2019;Singh, 2019). From the overview of academic research, research analysis reveals not only an increasing implementation but also an adaptation of digital technologies for construction operations (Oesterreich and Teuteberg, 2016;Morgan, 2019;Pan et al, 2020;Zabidin et al, 2020). Globally, industry practitioners comprising construction professionals, construction companies, professional bodies, and government agencies have expressed their preferences for implementing digital technologies in construction.…”