Automation in manufacturing and assembly of industrialised construction

Abstract

The integration of automation technologies has improved the efficiency of industrialised construction (IC), yet a deeper understanding of their effects on the manufacturing and assembly stages remains necessary. This paper provides a systematic review of how various automation technologies influence these key stages in IC, analysing 53 articles. It explores the deployment of 22 technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), deep learning, digital twins, and robotics, and identifies seven benefits for IC: (1) interoperability, (2) scheduling optimisation, (3) production traceability, (4) production safety, (5) manufacturability, (6) quality assurance, and (7) constructability. To further advance automation in IC, future research should address critical challenges, including enhancing data quality, expanding empirical testing, exploring emerging technologies in depth, and integrating fragmented workflows. This article underscores the need of strategic technology deployment to seamlessly integrate various processes in future construction practices, offering insights into the transformative potential of automation. • Systematically synthesised 53 articles on automation in manufacturing and assembly of industrialised construction. • Identified the applications of automation technologies in manufacturing and assembly and the advantages they promote. • Industrialised construction automation faces challenges from data systems, technology deployment, and empirical testing. • Digital twins, virtual technologies, AI and robotics offer potential for seamless industrialised construction automation.