Identification of Human Barriers to the Successful Implementation of Construction Automation

Abstract

Many construction experts claim that the construction industry must implement automation and robotics as part of an overall program to increase productivity, safety, and quality, and to remain competitive in the face of growing global competition.The limited experience of applying robots to construction, together with conclusions drawn on the basis of robotic applications in related areas, show that developing efficient robotic systems alone will not ensure successful implementation.Significant resistance was observed in the manufacturing industry, which seriously impeded successful implementation.In addition to this, the conservative nature of the construction industry suggests potentially significant levels of resistance to the introduction of project level automation and robotics.The article reviews some limited introductions of automation into the construction industry and finds evidence of resistance.The sources and the causes of resistance to the introduction of automation and robotics, as experienced in selected manufacturing industries, are summarized.Successful resistance reduction actions, used by these manufacturing industries, are compiled and presented.