Liu, Y; Junjia, Y; Wang, H and Alias, A H (2026) Bridging robotics implementation and operational efficiency via agile management: Evidence from commercial residential projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 152(4): 04026019, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Unlocking operational efficiency gains from construction robotics (CR) in commercial residential projects (CRPs) hinges critically on agile management rather than technology deployment alone. We propose the Construction Robotics Agile Success Model (CR-ASM), which formalizes feedback-driven, subproject-level mechanisms that convert localized CR productivity into project-wide gains. To test CR-ASM, we analyze 224 CRPs across 37 Chinese provinces using a dual-stage methodology combining partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). Key findings reveal that time/budget/security constraints significantly compel top management commitment (β=0.723), which is the most significant driver of project success (β=0.702) through the sociotechnical capabilities of middle management. By contrast, direct CR work efficiency demonstrates a negligible influence on management commitment, positioning robotics as a catalyst rather than a direct efficiency driver. Multigroup analysis indicates core management pathways remain statistically indifferent between CR adopters and nonadopters, underscoring the primacy of agile practices. Complementary ANN results confirm project success as the overwhelming predictor of operational efficiency (57% normalized importance), validating the model's nonlinear dynamics. By bridging technology and organizational strategy, CR-ASM advances understanding of how the construction management field can achieve project-wide efficiency gains and provides an empirical foundation for future research in construction engineering and management.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | agile success model; artificial neural network; construction robotics implementation; operational efficiency; partial least squares-structural equation modeling |
| Index terms: | construction engineering, dynamics, advanced construction robotics, robotics, implementation, efficiency, project success, productivity, residential project, top management, methodology, evidence, partial least square, organizational strategy, structural equation modelling, commitment, artificial neural network |
| Subjects: | building construction, economic development, research methods, automation and robotics, psychology, contractual arrangements, evaluation and assessment methods, systems engineering, statistical analysis, management, engineering methods, performance management, project management theory and practice, modelling and simulation, business |
| Topics: | Procurement, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Quality Management, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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