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Robotics and automated systems in construction: Understanding industry-specific challenges for adoption

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Davila Delgado, Juan Manuel, Oyedele, Lukumon, Ajayi, Anuoluwapo, Akanbi, Lukman, Akinade, Olugbenga, Bilal, Muhammad, Owolabi, Hakeem·2019·Journal of Building Engineering
DOI 10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100868
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Abstract

The construction industry is a major economic sector, but it is plagued with inefficiencies and low productivity. Robotics and automated systems have the potential to address these shortcomings; however, the level of adoption in the construction industry is very low. This paper presents an investigation into the industry-specific factors that limit the adoption in the construction industry. A mixed research method was employed combining literature review, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Three focus groups with 28 experts and an online questionnaire were conducted. Principal component and correlation analyses were conducted to group the identified factors and find hidden correlations. The main identified challenges were grouped into four categories and ranked in order of importance: contractor-side economic factors, client-side economic factors, technical and work-culture factors, and weak business case factors. No strong correlation was found among factors. This study will help stakeholders to understand the main industry-specific factors limiting the adoption of robotics and automated systems in the construction industry. The presented findings will support stakeholders to devise mitigation strategies.

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  • The main identified challenges for higher adoption of robotics in the construction industry were grouped into four categories: contractor-side economic factors; client-side economic factors; technical and work-culture factors; and weak business case factors.

    “The main identified challenges for higher adoption of robotics in the construction industry were grouped into four categories: contractor-side economic factors; client-side economic factors; technical and work-culture factors; and weak business case factors.”

    From Advanced Applications of Industrial Robotics: New Trends and Possibilities (2021) · cites this paper as [108]

  • Technical and work-culture factors include an untrained workforce; unproven effectiveness and immature technology; and the current work culture and aversion to change.

    “Technical and work-culture factors include an untrained workforce; unproven effectiveness and immature technology; and the current work culture and aversion to change [108].”

    From Advanced Applications of Industrial Robotics: New Trends and Possibilities (2021) · cites this paper as [108]

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Davila Delgado, J. M., Oyedele, L., Ajayi, A., Akanbi, L., Akinade, O., Bilal, M., & Owolabi, H.
Affiliations
University of the West of England (GB)
Corresponding author
Oyedele, Lukumon
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Building Engineering
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2019-11
Volume
26
Pages
100868
ISSN
2352-7102 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100868
OpenAlex
W2960054529
Cited by
607
References
4
Citations by year
2026: 69 · 2025: 108 · 2024: 132 · 2023: 117 · 2022: 97 · 2021: 61 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 1
FWCI
29.11
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Building Engineering (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • UWE Research Repository (UWE Bristol) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
  • Innovate UK (102061, 44746-322224, EP/N509012/1)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › BIM and Construction Integration
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Construction Project Management and Performance
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › Innovations in Concrete and Construction Materials
Keywords
construction robotics, construction automation, technology adoption barriers, construction industry, construction productivity, organizational culture, business case

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