A Review of the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Use of Automation and Robotics in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is hazardous and dirty. Automation and robotics in construction (ARC) were introduced to execute tasks that are difficult for humans and to reduce the number of incidents on construction sites. This study discusses the advantages and the disadvantages of the use of ARC in the South African construction industry. A narrative literature review was conducted. Given that the construction industry is a wide concept, that includes amongst others; materials, processes and site activities, the study only considers the use of ARC as it relates to site activities in South Africa. In spite of the many advantages that ARC has to offer the South African construction industry, ARC is yet to be widely adopted in South Africa. ARC can potentially reduce the number of fatalities and improve efficiency and productivity on site. However, high costs of adoption and the loss of jobs are some of the factors that are hindering adoption. The construction industry in South Africa needs structural changes in order to benefit from the use of ARC. The results of the study will benefit stakeholders in the construction industry in South Africa, particularly construction companies and the government.