Ikuabe, M; Aigbavboa, C and Kissi, E (2023) Potential applications and benefits of humanoids in the construction industry: A south African perspective. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 41(6), pp. 254-268. ISSN 23984708
Abstract
Purpose: In most developing countries, the delivery of construction project is still characterised by inefficiencies resulting from the use of outdated methods and techniques, which retards project performance. Hence, the call for the implementation of innovative technologies such as humanoids in the execution of construction projects as it has been proven to be very effective in other sectors while improving productivity and quality of work. Consequently, this study looks at how humanoids can be used in the construction industry and what benefits they can bring. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a quantitative approach underpinned in post-positivist philosophical view using questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The target respondents were construction professionals, and purposive sampling was used, while a response rate of 62.5% was gotten. The methods of data analysis were mean item score, standard deviation and one-sample t-test. Findings: The findings revealed that humanoids can be used in progress tracking, auto-documentation and inspection and surveillance of tasks in construction activities. Also, the most important benefits of using humanoids in construction work were found to be shorter delivery times, fewer injuries and more accurate work. Practical implications: The outcome of the study gives professionals and relevant stakeholders in construction and other interested parties' information about the areas where humanoids can be used and their benefits in construction. Originality/value: The novelty of this study is that it is a pioneering study in South Africa on humanoids' usage in the construction industry. Also, it expands the existing borderline of the conservation of construction digitalisation for enhanced project execution.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | applications; benefits; construction industry; humanoids; South Africa |
| Index terms: | construction work, project performance, construction professional, delivery time, progress tracking, conservation, purposive sampling, implementation, construction industry, inspection, deviation, construction activity, productivity, questionnaire, construction project, methodology, surveillance, South Africa, injury, data analysis, digitalization, developing country, documentation |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, construction operations, financial and cost management, digital technology, environmental policy, operations management, data collection methods, industry analysis, time analysis, quality assurance, project controls, health conditions and diseases, Geography, production management, project management theory and practice, professional development, development economics, management, research methods, monitoring and control systems |
| Topics: | Time Control, Site Management, Digital Applications, International Construction, Quality Management, Sustainability, Governance, Procurement, Health and Safety, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here