Construction Robotics Excellence Model: A framework to overcome existing barriers for the implementation of robotics in the construction industry

The construction industry is characterized by low productivity and inefficient processes. In addition, the level of digitalization and automation in this industry is low compared to other industries. Although the added values of using robots in the industry have been known for a long time and the technology has been available for several decades. Nevertheless, the use and implementation of robotic systems is still slow. The aim of this work is to identify the barriers to the introduction of robots in the existing literature and to supplement them with an empirical study focused on the German construction industry, and subsequently to derive meta-barriers. In addition, a holistic model for overcoming barriers is developed Based on a literature review, the already identified barriers for implementation in the construction industry are identified, clustered and five meta-barriers are derived. The literature review is complemented by an empirical study in the German construction industry. Based on the results, the Construction Robotics Excellence Model is presented. The model serves as a generic framework for overcoming existing barriers and promoting the implementation of robotics systems in the construction industry. The results of the article show the versatility of the existing barriers in the construction industry and the need for a framework to support the implementation and use of robotics in the construction industry.