Attaining digital transformation in construction: An appraisal of the awareness and usage of automation techniques

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to examine the level of awareness and usage of automation techniques in developing countries through the lens of the Nigerian construction industry. A quantitative research approach was conducted with close-ended questionnaires developed and disseminated to construction professionals such as architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors based in Nigeria. Retrieved data were analyzed using several statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies and mean scores. Kruskal–Wallis H-test was used to examine the significant difference in opinions of the respondents for this study. Findings from this study revealed that construction professionals generally have limited knowledge of several automation techniques. More so, the implementation of these groundbreaking technologies in the construction industry remains very low which is a major cause for concern. This article explains a comprehensive roadmap for developing economies such as Nigeria, on how the knowledge of automation techniques can be enhanced among construction professionals. This study also details how the interrelated efforts of key players such as higher education institutions, government, policymakers, lawmakers, financial institutions, and professional bodies can work together to foster awareness of these innovative technologies. Although past studies have extensively discussed the advent of automation techniques in the construction sector of developing nations, very few studies have examined the level of awareness and usage of these technologies in the context of Nigeria. This study addresses this gap in existing knowledge.