Patel, T; Bapat, H and Patel, D (2026) Assessing barriers of automation and robotics adoption in the Indian construction industry: A fuzzy DEMATEL approach. Construction Innovation, 26(3), pp. 935-957. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose – Despite global advancements, the Indian construction industry lags in adopting technologies like robots, artificial intelligence, drones, unmanned ground vehicles and Internet of Things sensors due to various barriers. This reliance on traditional practices leads to persistent issues such as labour shortages, low productivity, safety risks, cost overruns and delays. Identifying and addressing these barriers is crucial for adopting advanced technologies. Hence, this study aims to identify and assess the influential barriers to construction automation and robotics (AaR) in India using a systematic approach. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive literature review identified key barriers, including technological, financial, regulatory, environmental and organisational. A questionnaire survey was conducted among industry professionals, and the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory technique was used to evaluate the interrelationships and relative significance of these barriers. Findings – The results of the study reveal the most critical cause barriers as "high initial cost", "rigidity in organisational processes and procedures", "interoperability", "lack of competency" and "lack of standardisation". These barriers subsequently influence the top two effect barriers such as "market uncertainty" and "ethical concerns". Practical implications – This research offers a systematic and quantitative assessment, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and develop strategies to overcome barriers to AaR adoption, unlocking the transformative potential of AaR in India's construction sector. Originality/value – Despite potential benefits, the adoption of AaR in Indian construction remains limited due to various barriers. This study provides novel insights with the first comprehensive assessment of these barriers and their interrelationships.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation; barriers; construction; decision making; fuzzy DEMATEL; robotics |
| Index terms: | productivity, cost overrun, standardization, labour shortage, robotics, internet, construction industry, automation, India, artificial intelligence, interoperability, laboratory, drone, strategy, literature review, survey, decision-making, methodology, questionnaire, construction sector |
| Subjects: | automation and robotics, Geography, research methods, research management, computing systems, data collection methods, financial and cost management, artificial intelligence, data analysis and analytics, economics, management, performance measurement, systems and processes, industry analysis, decision analysis |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Research Practice, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, Risk Management, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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