Darlow, G; Rotimi, J O B and Wajiha Mohsin, S (2022) Automation in New Zealand's offsite construction: A status update. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 12(1), pp. 38-52. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Automation facilitates production activities within offsite construction (OSC) projects through computer-controlled and mechanised systems that can be programmed to deliver various products in a self-regulating sequence. Despite known benefits of automation to offsite production, the level of automation adoption in New Zealand is low. This study is an effort to understand the current status of automation within the New Zealand construction industry and to identify the barriers and enablers to its uptake. This study utilises the qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews (open-ended questions). Using a referral sampling strategy (snowballing), fifteen New Zealand industry experts were interviewed, and the data collected were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The study found that there is a weak business case for full automation. Four main categories of barriers to the uptake of automated OSC were identified, including requirement of high capital cost, lack of education about automation and OSC and non-existence of regulations to support OSC. It was noted that financial supports to the OSC sub-sector in form of subsidies, tax waivers, and enhanced leasing model could enhance the uptake of automation. Further to this more awareness about OSC's automation and regulations suitable for OSC could enhance the confidence of business owners to invest in this area. Originality of this paper stems from the fact that, not much attention has been paid to investigating the uptake of automation for OSC sub-sector of construction industry in New Zealand context.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation; New Zealand; offsite construction; productivity; content analysis; green buildings; regulations; prefabricated buildings; qualitative analysis; housing; Sweden; Japan |
| Index terms: | housing, business case, construction industry, automation, prefabricated building, regulation, referral, qualitative analysis, green building, sampling, Sweden, Japan, qualitative approach, owner, leasing, productivity, strategy, content analysis, New Zealand, capital cost, interview, subsidy |
| Subjects: | management, design practice, land economics, research methods, accounting and finance, automation and robotics, Geography, professional development, building construction, sociology, industry analysis, political science, data collection methods, construction type, research design and methodology, data analysis and analytics, strategic project management, economic analysis |
| Topics: | Stakeholder Management, Governance, Construction Technology, Business Strategy, Information Management, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Urban Studies, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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