Effects of Automation on Construction Industry Performance

Abstract

The growth of infrastructure and development in an emerging country like South Africa may requires the construction industry to shift from traditional methods of construction to modern ones in order to improve productivity and enhance performance. However, most of the existing studies have been tailored towards the awareness, willingness, drivers, barriers and benefits of such modern methods, including automation and robotics. Like other technological advancement, there are some negative impacts that should be assessed and understood by stakeholders with a view to managing and minimizing them. In view of this, the purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which the usage of automation can influence negatively on the delivery of construction projects if fully implemented in the South African construction industry.