Cost Assessment Framework for Construction Robots: Comparative Study of Robotic and Traditional Construction
Bing Sun, Chao Mao, Tingpeng Wang, Zhiqiang Li
Abstract
Construction robots are expected to address the challenges of the skilled labor shortage and low productivity in the construction industry. However, the development of construction robots is still in its early stages due to the lack of data on their economic performance, uncertainty in costs, and lack of experience and confidence among companies. This study establishes a cost assessment framework for construction robots. Taking the construction market in China as an example, this study compares and analyzes the construction costs of robotic and traditional construction methods from two groups of cases. Results showed that the current cost of robotic construction does not have an advantage over traditional construction. All construction robots that cost less than traditional methods are more than 2.9 times more efficient than human workers. The use of certain construction robots can reduce the number and skill requirements of construction workers. The construction cost of robot groups under a rational arrangement is lower than that of traditional construction. Further research indicated that the high purchase cost and uncertainty of the life-cycle cost are the main barriers to the application of construction robots. In light of the economic, social, and environmental benefits that construction robots can bring in the future, the current high investment is justified. In conclusion, the cost assessment framework proposed in this study provides construction companies with a systematic approach to selecting construction methods. The cost analysis of the actual construction case serves as a basis for construction companies to utilize construction robots.