Abstract
Single-task construction robots (STCRs) have become a popular research topic for decades. However, there is still a gap in the ubiquitous application of STCRs for onsite construction due to various reasons, such as cost concerns. Therefore, cost–benefit analysis (CBA) can be used to measure the net economic benefit of the STCRs, compared to traditional construction methods, in order to boost the implementation of STCRs. This paper presents a simple and practical framework for the economic evaluation of STCRs and conducts a case study of a cable-driven facade installation robot to verify the method. The results show that the cable-driven robot for facade installation is worth investing in in the UK, as well as in the majority of G20 countries. Furthermore, other socioenvironmental implications of STCRs and the limitations of the study are also discussed. In conclusion, the proposed method is highly adaptable and reproducible. Therefore, researchers, engineers, investors, and policy makers can easily follow and customize this method to assess the economic advantages of any STCR systems, compared to traditional construction technologies.
Highlights
Ever since the first debut in the 1970s in Japan, single-task construction robots (STCRs) have become a worldwide research and development topic
Cost–benefit analysis (CBA) is oftentimes considered as one of the most important problem-solving tools in decision-making processes, yet there is a lack of research on the quantitative evaluation of STCR systems to study their economic implications for key stakeholders
This paper aims to propose a simple methodological framework for the cost–benefit analysis of STCRs based on the case study of the onsite cable-driven facade installation robot developed in the EU research project named Hephaestus
Summary
Ever since the first debut in the 1970s in Japan, single-task construction robots (STCRs) have become a worldwide research and development topic They are robots or automated devices that are developed primarily for tasks on the construction sites [1]. More research evidence is needed to prove the net economic benefit of the STCRs, compared to traditional construction methods, in order to boost the speed and breadth of the implementation of STCRs. Cost–benefit analysis (CBA) is oftentimes considered as one of the most important problem-solving tools in decision-making processes, yet there is a lack of research on the quantitative evaluation of STCR systems to study their economic implications for key stakeholders. Considering its wide usage in the policy-making activities, it is naturally reasonable to apply CBA as a tool to evaluate the economic benefits of STCR systems
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