Understanding the key takeaway of construction robots towards construction automation

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry is the major sector in China but it has been exposed to a series of problems including low productivity and workforce shortage. However, construction robots as an effective and sustainable approach to overcome the difficulties in construction industry have not been widely adopted. Few studies attempted to investigate on the adoption of construction robots in China. In order to fill this gap, this study aim to address the barriers to the adoption of construction robots in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature review, semi-structured interview 24 factors hindering the adoption of construction robots are summarized. Next, a total of valid 150 questionnaires delivered to the 7 stakeholders were collected. Ranking analysis was used to identify 21 critical factors was determined by the mean score analysis and factor analysis extracted 21 critical factors into 5 clusters.

Findings

Results indicate that the “technological performance and management” cluster is the most dominant of the 5 clusters. The most important barrier is “Limited research and design input”, followed by “High purchase cost” and “Unstructured construction environment”. Construction robots are still under R&D have had limited field applications in the production and construction process.

Originality/value

The research findings provide a useful reference for different stakeholders to identify the critical factors appropriate strategies to promote the adoption of construction robots. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to promote adoption of construction robots.

Citation

Huang, Z., Mao, C., Wang, J. and Sadick, A.-M. (2022), "Understanding the key takeaway of construction robots towards construction automation", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 29 No. 9, pp. 3664-3688. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-03-2021-0267