Barrier Analysis of Effective Implementation of Robotics in the Construction Industry

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the largest economic sectors in the United States, contributing to 4.1% of the nation’s gross domestic product. Despite its economic importance, the construction industry is plagued with labor shortages, unsafe working conditions, stagnant productivity, and inefficiencies resulting from industry fragmentation. With the recent advancements in mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and sensing systems, the implementation of robotic technologies appears poised to revolutionize construction. However, the construction industry is still falling short of the widespread adoption of robotic technologies prevalent in other sectors. The present study investigates the contributory factors of this gap, delineates the potential barriers, and provides recommendations to lift these barriers and expedite the transition process. To determine the limiting factors to the widespread implementation of construction robots, a set of questionnaires were distributed to ten major construction companies. The questionnaires were developed by the experts in the related fields and validated by industry professionals. The statistical results of the questionnaires revealed the factors that impede the large-scale robotic adoptions, including high-capital investment and job security as primary factors. The findings of this research can provide the necessary insight to understanding and potentially lifting obstacles to the ubiquitous implementation of robotic technologies in the construction industry.