Review and Introduction of Automation and Robotics in Construction Industries

Abstract

In the Indian construction industry’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) in developing countries, it is around 10%. It is expected that $1,000 billion in infrastructure investments will be completed in the next few years. In terms of automation, the construction industry is one of the least practised fields today. In developed countries, the importance of construction automation has grown rapidly. In developing countries like India, the construction industry needs automation technologies such as new machinery, electronic devices, and automation for road, tunnel, and bridge construction, as well as earthwork. Robotics technology developed rapidly during the 1980s, particularly in Japan, to address labour shortages caused by an ageing workforce and younger workers' reluctance to perform hard physical labour. Injuries are more severe among older workers, and compensation costs increase with workers' age. It is expected that robots can perform all high-risk tasks (like lifting, demolition, and working at height) and help address labour shortages in construction-specific skilled tasks. In India, the construction industry, being labour-intensive, requires more skilled labour, high-quality work, and increased productivity. The problems associated with construction work, such as declining quality, labour shortages, and safety and working conditions on projects, can be overcome by new, innovative technologies, such as automation, which have the potential to improve the quality, safety, and productivity of the construction industry. Today, it is evident that the level of automation in Indian construction is very low in comparison with current technological advances. Therefore, we must make new efforts to increase the automation level in this important sector to enhance productivity and quality, as well as economic growth.