IMPROVING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DELIVERY THROUGH AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS

Automation and robotic technology (ART) has been successfully applied in the manufacturing and allied industries to achieve on-time delivery of quality products at increasingly reduced costs. Meeting time, quality and cost targets still remains a big challenge in the global construction industry with prevalence of time and cost overruns. Application of ART in the construction industry could contribute to significant improvement in the efficient and effective delivery of projects to meet and exceed client expectations. However, the uptake of ART is still low in the construction industry. This study investigates the various ways in which ART could be applied to improve construction project delivery, potential areas of applications, and constraints to the uptake of the technology in the construction industry. Recommendations are made for improving the uptake of ART in the construction industry.