Robotizing Safety: Prospects and Barriers of Robotic Technology Adoption for Construction Injury Prevention in the UK

Obiaigwe, Innocent

Abstract

The utilization of robots in the construction sector has garnered significant attention in recent years, presenting itself as a transformative technology reshaping traditional construction practices—an industry notorious for its high incidence of injuries and fatalities in the UK. Advancements in robotic and automation systems, coupled with their integration with human workers, are revolutionizing how robots are deployed to address prevalent challenges within the construction landscape. However, despite the potential benefits of robotics, their adoption in the UK remains sluggish. While they hold promise in enhancing safety measures, their efficacy in preventing construction injuries is yet to be fully realized. In light of this context, this research explored both the prospects and barriers associated with robotics adoption within the UK construction industry for injury prevention. Despite the evident need to comprehend and navigate the factors influencing this phenomenon, there is a notable dearth of literature addressing this specific area. The central thesis argues that robotic and automation systems possess the technological capacity to effectively address and mitigate safety risks engendered by construction injuries. However, despite their potential utility, various internal and systemic factors hinder their widespread adoption, thereby constraining their ability to be fully integrated into the industry. This argument is contextualized within the framework of barriers and prospects, with an aim to discern which holds greater prominence and identify existing gaps. A mixed-method approach was employed to investigate this. This involved the collection of primary data through surveys and interviews, with a total of 54 survey respondents and 10 interviewees participating in the study. A consensus emerged among respondents regarding the instrumental role of robotic technology in the UK construction industry, with several barriers identified mirroring findings from existing literature. Analysis unveiled that the UK construction sector currently occupies a transitional phase, oscillating between inertia and a burgeoning inclination towards accelerated adoption, propelled by ongoing efforts towards robotization and automation however adoption remains slow without a clear roadmap for the future of robotics in the UK construction industry Notably, one of the primary findings suggests that robotic adoption is intricately linked to industry perception, although other ancillary factors also influence the utilization of robotics. In light of these findings, several recommendations emerged as best options to improve the robotic adoption in the UK for addressing construction injuries and safety risks including the saliency of ensuring robotic and automation of the UK construction industry must consider the peculiar and evolving needs of the industry and address the human dimensions implicated in its adoption.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Online Publication Date: May 29, 2025
• Deposit Date: Apr 7, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 30, 2025
• Award Date: May 29, 2025