Investigating Stakeholder Perception and Developing a Decision Framework for Robot Adoption in Construction
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 150, Issue 4
Abstract
Considering the benefits of using robots in the manufacturing and automobile sectors, robots are currently being developed for the construction industry; however, the rate of adopting robots in this industry is still in its nascent stage. As robots are introduced to project sites, safety, productivity, ease of use, level of robot autonomy, etc. become important parameters for wide-scale adoption; however, research that analyzes the point of view of construction industry stakeholders on adopting robots, to our best knowledge, is still limited. Identifying the expectations and perceptions of different stakeholders about robotic technology is crucial to ensuring the effective utilization the human–robot teams on project sites. This research aimed to study and compare stakeholders’ perceptions, levels of trust, and comfort levels in using different robotic technologies on their project sites. Based on these perceptions, this research developed a decision-making framework that will guide industry stakeholders in understanding what steps need to be followed while deciding to robotize a particular task. The research used a questionnaire to collect relevant data from various construction industry stakeholders. The results suggest that these stakeholders have a positive attitude toward the adoption of robots, with drones and layout robots receiving the most favorable response. The top factors that drive robot adoption include a robot’s ability to save time by reducing rework and the ability to help in monitoring and quality control. However, factors such as high costs and lack of a skilled workforce were identified as barriers to robot adoption. This research contributes to the body of knowledge concerning how different stakeholders in the construction industry perceive the utilization of robots in the construction sector.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are proprietary or confidential in nature and may only be provided with restrictions.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by a grant from the US Department of Transportation’s University Transportation Centers Program through the Transportation Consortium of South-Central States (Tran-SET), Project No. 21COLSU06. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of Tran-SET or the US government.
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Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 150 • Issue 4 • April 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 8, 2023
Accepted: Nov 8, 2023
Published online: Jan 24, 2024
Published in print: Apr 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jun 24, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Automation and robotics
- Business management
- Construction engineering
- Construction industry
- Construction management
- Construction sites
- Decision making
- Engineering fundamentals
- Industries
- Manufacturing
- Occupational safety
- Organizations
- Practice and Profession
- Project management
- Public administration
- Public health and safety
- Safety
- Systems engineering
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