Robotics in construction: implementation and economic evaluation

Abstract

This paper presents a review of current worldwide efforts in automation and robotization for construction. Over a dozen countries are currently involved in such research efforts to overcome mainly declining productivity, increasing labor costs, hazards in the workplace, and scarcity of skilled labor. Research and development progress of Japanese contractors is emphasized, as they are aggressively introducing robots on site. A number of their leading contractors are visited, and applications of robotic equipment utilized on building construction sites in Japan are summarized. The Canadian construction industry, existing in a harsh climate and affected by shortages of skilled labor and high labor costs, needs to carefully consider construction robotics in order to meet its changing needs. The characteristics of the Canadian environment are presented and factors that have a direct bearing on the feasibility and implementation of robotics are emphasized. Different methods for the evaluation of the value of a construction robot are presented and applied to a numerical example. Comparisons are then made between the U.S. and Canada. It is believed that, given existing technology, economical constraints will either force or impede the implementation of robotics. Key words: Canadian construction industry, construction robot, automation, building construction, productivity, feasibility.