Uptake of Industry 4.0 technologies in Australian construction firms
C.S.R. Perera, Valerie Francis, Shang Gao
Abstract
Purpose Industry 4.0 in the construction industry (CI), also known as Construction 4.0, transforms construction projects into digital environments, integrating advanced technologies throughout each stage. This study investigated the application, maturity and adoption interest of 14 Industry 4.0-related technologies in the CI (Con4.0-tech) in Australian construction firms. Design/methodology/approach Using purposive and snowball sampling, data was collected via 19 semi-structured interviews with directors, managers, innovation officers, etc. Data was then content analysed using NVivo software. Findings The study revealed five key application areas for Con4.0-tech: real-time data capture, digital communication, data analysis, visualisation and off-site construction. While the level of technology use varied, the research suggests a clear shift towards technology-driven practices in Australian construction. An interesting finding is the direct correlation between technology maturity and its use. Construction firms demonstrated a stronger preference for established technologies with proven value. Notably, innovative firms actively explore new technologies, while others wait for broader industry adoption before integrating them. Originality/value This research uniquely explores the adoption of Con4.0-tech within Australian construction firms, providing a novel perspective on current industry practices. The empirical evidence offers valuable implications for driving technological advancement and enhancing construction project delivery.