Towards Lean Automation in Construction—Exploring Barriers to Implementing Automation in Prefabrication

As a sustainable alternative to conventional cast-in-situ construction, modular construction (MC) offers several promising benefits concerning energy and waste reduction, shorter construction times, as well as increased quality. In addition, given its high degree of prefabrication, MC offers ideal c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sustainability 2022-10, Vol.14 (19), p.12944
Main Author: Feldmann, Finn G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Automation
Construction
Construction industry
Energy consumption
Engineering research
Environmental aspects
Industrial development
Industrial production
Internet of Things
Literature reviews
Manufacturers
Manufacturing
Manufacturing engineering
Mechanization
Modular construction
Onsite
Prefabrication
Principles
Productivity
Robotics
Supply chains
Sustainability
Sustainable development
Technological change
Technology application
Value chain
Value creation
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Summary:As a sustainable alternative to conventional cast-in-situ construction, modular construction (MC) offers several promising benefits concerning energy and waste reduction, shorter construction times, as well as increased quality. In addition, given its high degree of prefabrication, MC offers ideal conditions to solve the industry’s long-lasting productivity problem by implementing manufacturing concepts such as lean production and automation. However, in practice, the share of automation and robotics in the production process is still relatively low, which is why the potential of this construction method is currently far from being fully exploited. An overview of the particular barriers to implementing automation in the context of MC is still lacking. Therefore, a qualitative study was conducted including eight MC manufacturers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Following a comprehensive literature review, expert interviews were conducted based on an academically proven framework. Thereby, seven barrier dimensions with 21 sub-categories could be identified. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of current barriers to implementing automation in prefabrication and how they can be overcome most effectively. Additionally, recommendations for future research are proposed within a research agenda.
ISSN:2071-1050
2071-1050
DOI:10.3390/su141912944