A Methodology for Identifying Automation Opportunities in Industrial Construction

Basic methods for physically putting work in place have not changed dramatically in the last 30 years. The availability of a large supply of trained construction workers has traditionally been assumed when planning projects. That availability, combined with an emphasis on short term efficiency, low costs, and a lack of research and development (R&D), has precluded significant attention to automation. As in other industries, productivity and quality in construction have been dependent more upon humans than on machines. 

The purpose of this publication is two-fold. First, it describes a methodology for identifying automation benefits. The methodology can be applied to a variety of construction activities. Second, the methodology is applied to three important areas of industrial construction: piping, electrical, and steel erection. The methodology and pilot efforts have identified a total of 12 tasks that promise to benefit from automation.

This research has addressed neither the issue of automation feasibility nor how widely a solution to a particular need might apply across the universe of construction tasks. These issues are left for future R&D activities, as is the matter of opportunities in other construction market segments.