Cost Assessment Framework for Construction Robots: Comparative Study of Robotic and Traditional Construction
Publication: Journal of Management in Engineering
Volume 40, Issue 5
Abstract
Construction robots are expected to address the challenges of the skilled labor shortage and low productivity in the construction industry. However, the development of construction robots is still in its early stages due to the lack of data on their economic performance, uncertainty in costs, and lack of experience and confidence among companies. This study establishes a cost assessment framework for construction robots. Taking the construction market in China as an example, this study compares and analyzes the construction costs of robotic and traditional construction methods from two groups of cases. Results showed that the current cost of robotic construction does not have an advantage over traditional construction. All construction robots that cost less than traditional methods are more than 2.9 times more efficient than human workers. The use of certain construction robots can reduce the number and skill requirements of construction workers. The construction cost of robot groups under a rational arrangement is lower than that of traditional construction. Further research indicated that the high purchase cost and uncertainty of the life-cycle cost are the main barriers to the application of construction robots. In light of the economic, social, and environmental benefits that construction robots can bring in the future, the current high investment is justified. In conclusion, the cost assessment framework proposed in this study provides construction companies with a systematic approach to selecting construction methods. The cost analysis of the actual construction case serves as a basis for construction companies to utilize construction robots.
Practical Applications
The results of this case study suggest that the current cost of robotic construction does not have an advantage over traditional construction. Among the four types of construction robots, those for surveying and marking performed the best in terms of construction cost and those for building decoration performed the worst. All types of construction robots are statistically more efficient than traditional construction methods for the same task, and the high efficiency of construction robots can greatly reduce their construction costs. The use of certain construction robots can reduce the number and skill requirements of construction workers, which in turn reduces labor costs. Rationally arranging robot groups for construction can strengthen the linkage between construction sequences, which in turn increases the utilization of construction robots and accelerates the construction schedule. The results can advise construction contractors on the choice of appropriate construction methods and make recommendations to construction robot manufacturers, construction contractors, and governments for the development and application of construction robots.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Chongqing Natural Science Fund Project (Grant Number CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX1622).
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Journal of Management in Engineering
Volume 40 • Issue 5 • September 2024
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© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Dec 28, 2023
Accepted: Apr 4, 2024
Published online: Jul 3, 2024
Published in print: Sep 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Dec 3, 2024
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