Abstract
The integration of lean construction and construction robotics is an important research topic because it can significantly improve the construction industry’s efficiency, eliminate waste, and increase productivity. However, there is currently a scarcity of research on this subject, which makes it a key area for future studies. This study conducts a scientometric review analysis of lean construction and construction robotics, focusing on academic publications worldwide between 2012 and 2024. This study considers keywords, co-authors, co-citations, and country/region analyses. This study includes 842 articles from journals and conference papers obtained from Scopus, where 736 papers are related to lean construction, 194 are related to construction robotics, and 18 contain both lean construction and construction robotics. Network maps are built and analyzed to determine the major areas of interest within each field, be that lean construction or construction robotics. The study found that research in both domains is becoming more popular and that there is room for advancement in the intersection of lean construction and construction robotics, particularly around offsite construction. Based on these findings, it may be assumed that future studies including both subjects will grow.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data availability
The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the research article.
References
Abbasi R, Yanes AR, Villanuera EM, Ahmad R (2021) Real-time Implementation of Digital Twin for Robot Based Production Line. SSRN Electron J. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3860500
Aghimien DO, Aigbavboa CO, Oke AE, Thwala WD (2020) Mapping out research focus for robotics and automation research in construction-related studies: A bibliometric approach. J Eng Desig Technol. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2019-0237
Akin S, Ergun O, Surer E, Gursel Dino I (2020) An immersive performative architectural design tool with daylighting simulations: a building information modeling-based approach. Eng Construct Architect Manag. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2020-0562
Albalkhy W, Sweis R (2021) Barriers to adopting lean construction in the construction industry: a literature review. Internat J Lean Six Sigma. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-12-2018-0144
Al-Ibadi A, Nefti-Meziani S, Davis S (2018) Active Soft End Effectors for Efficient Grasping and Safe Handling. IEEE Access 6:23591–23601. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2829351
Andersson SKL, Granlund A, Hedelind M, Bruch J (2020) Exploring the Capabilities of Industrial Collaborative Robot Applications. Adv Transdiscip Eng. https://doi.org/10.3233/ATDE200148
Bajjou MS, Chafi A (2021) Lean construction and simulation for performance improvement: a case study of reinforcement process. Int J Product Perform Manag 70(2):459–487. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-06-2019-0309
Bazli M, Ashrafi H, Rajabipour A, Kutay C (2023) 3D printing for remote housing: Benefits and challenges. Automat Construct. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2023.104772
Beh HJ, Rashidi A, Talei A, Lee YS (2021) “Developing engineering students’ capabilities through game-based virtual reality technology for building utility inspection. Eng Construct Architect Manag. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2021-0174
Burnham JF (2006) Scopus database: A review. Biomed Dig Libraries. https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-5581-3-1
Castaneda JAC, Mudireddy V, Martinez P, Ahmad R (2022) Addressing waste during the design phase: a matrix model for the interactions between robotic systems and lean principles. 30th Ann Conf Internat Group Lean Construct IGLC Internat Group for Lean Construct 2022:1020–1029. https://doi.org/10.24928/2022/0211
JAC Castaneda, B Barkokebas, P Martinez, and R Ahmad (2023) Flexible Robotic Production in Off-Site Construction: A Lean Approac, in Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC31). International Group for Lean Construction https://doi.org/10.24928/2023/0247.
Chea CP, Bai Y, Pan X, Arashpour M, Xie Y (2020) An integrated review of automation and robotic technologies for structural prefabrication and construction. Transport Safety Environ. https://doi.org/10.1093/tse/tdaa007
C Chen (2011) CiteSpace: A Practical Guide for Mapping Scientific Literature Book: Representing Scientific Knowledge: The Role of Uncertainty View project Book: Turning Points: The Nature of Creativity (Springer 2011) View project,” 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308204148
Brito C, Ciampi M, Feldgen M, Clua O, Santos H, Barros V (2020) Plenary: The Challenges of Education in Engineering, Computing and Technology without exclusions: Innovation in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, p 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUNINE48860.2020.9149488
Davila Delgado JM et al (2019) Robotics and automated systems in construction: Understanding industry-specific challenges for adoption. J Build Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100868
Davila Delgado JM, Oyedele L, Demian P, Beach T (2020) A research agenda for augmented and virtual reality in architecture, engineering and construction. Adv Eng Informat. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2020.101122
Detert T et al (2017) Bots2ReC: introducing mobile robotic units on construction sites for asbestos rehabilitation. Construct Robot 1(1–4):29–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41693-017-0007-1
Dixit MK, Venkatraj V, Ostadalimakhmalbaf M, Pariafsai F, Lavy S (2019) Integration of facility management and building information modeling (BIM): A review of key issues and challenges. Facilities 37(7–8):455–483. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-03-2018-0043
Erol H, Dikmen I, Birgonul MT (2017) Measuring the impact of lean construction practices on project duration and variability: A simulation-based study on residential buildings. J Civ Eng Manag 23(2):241–251. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2015.1068846
Famiyeh S, Amoatey CT, Adaku E, Agbenohevi CS (2017) Major causes of construction time and cost overruns: A case of selected educational sector projects in Ghana. J Eng Des Technol 15(2):181–198. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-11-2015-0075
Firth C, Dunn K, Haeusler MH, Sun Y (2022) Anthropomorphic soft robotic end-effector for use with collaborative robots in the construction industry. Automat Construct. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104218
Ghazi Sarhan J, Xia B, Fawzia S, Karim A (2017) Lean Construction Implementation in the Saudi Arabian Construction Industry. Construct Econom Build 17:1
Giftthaler M et al (2017) Mobile robotic fabrication at 1:1 scale: the In situ Fabricator. Construct Robot 1(1–4):3–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41693-017-0003-5
Ginigaddara B, Perera S, Feng Y, Rahnamayiezekavat P (2022) An evaluation of offsite construction skill profiles. J Financ Manag Prop Constr 27(1):16–28. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-08-2020-0057
Gusmao Brissi S, Wong Chong O, Debs L, Zhang J (2022) A review on the interactions of robotic systems and lean principles in offsite construction. Eng Construct Architect Manag. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2020-0809
Halmetoja E (2019) The conditions data model supporting building information models in facility management. Facilities 37(7–8):484–501. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-11-2017-0112
Huang Z, Mao C, Wang J, Sadick AM (2021) Understanding the key takeaway of construction robots towards construction automation. Eng Construct Architect Manag. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-03-2021-0267
Ichter B, Pavone M (2019) Robot Motion Planning in Learned Latent Spaces. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 4(3):2407–2414. https://doi.org/10.1109/LRA.2019.2901898
Helm V, Ercan S, Gramazio F, Kohler M (2012) Mobile robotic fabrication on construction sites: DimRob. In: 2012 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, Vilamoura-Algarve, Portugal, 2012, pp. 4335–4341. https://doi.org/10.1109/IROS.2012.6385617
Iturralde K, Pan W, Linner T, Bock T (2021) “Automation and robotic technologies in the construction context: research experiences in prefabricated façade modules. Rethink Build Skins Transform Technol Res Traject. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822477-9.00009-7
Jallow AK, Demian P, Baldwin AN, Anumba C (2014) An empirical study of the complexity of requirements management in construction projects. Eng Constr Archit Manag 21(5):505–531. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-09-2013-0084
Kamaruddin SS, Mohammad MF, Mahbub R (2016) Barriers and Impact of Mechanisation and Automation in Construction to Achieve Better Quality Products. Procedia Soc Behav Sci 222:111–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.05.197
Le PL, Nguyen NTD (2022) Prospect of lean practices towards construction supply chain management trends. Internat J Lean Six Sigma 13(3):557–593. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-06-2020-0071
Lean Construction Institute (2003) An introduction to lean construction.” Accessed: Dec. 27, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://leanconstruction.org/lean-topics/lean-construction/
Li CZ, Xue F, Li X, Hong J, Shen GQ (2018) An Internet of Things-enabled BIM platform for on-site assembly services in prefabricated construction. Autom Constr 89:146–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.01.001
Liang C-J, Wang X, Kamat VR, Menassa CC (2021) Human-Robot Collaboration in Construction: Classification and Research Trends. J Constr Eng Manag. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)co.1943-7862.0002154
Luo J (2022) Construction-Oriented Architectural Design in Off-Site Construction Towards Lean Construction and Management”. Adv Transdiscipl Eng. https://doi.org/10.3233/ATDE220925
Mano AP, Gouvea da Costa SE, Pinheiro de Lima E (2021) Criticality assessment of the barriers to Lean Construction. Int J Product Perform Manag 70(1):65–86. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-11-2018-0413
Marhani MA, Othman NASM, Ismail NAA (2021) Issues and Impact of Lean Construction Implementation in The Malaysian Construction Industry. Internat J Sustain Construct Eng Technol 12(3):258–268
Martinez Villanueva E, Cardenas Castañeda JA, Ahmad R (2022) Scientometric Analysis for Cross-Laminated Timber in the Context of Construction 4.0. Automation. https://doi.org/10.3390/automation3030023
Mooghali A, Alijani R, Karami N, Khasseh A (2011) Scientometric analysis of the scientometric literature. Int J Inf Sci Manage 9(1):19–31
Mora-Serrano J, Muñoz-La Rivera F, Valero I (2021) Factors for the automation of the creation of virtual reality experiences to raise awareness of occupational hazards on construction sites”. Electronics (switzerland). https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics10111355
Mostafa S, Chileshe N, Abdelhamid T (2016) Lean and agile integration within offsite construction using discrete event simulation A systematic literature review. Construct Innovat. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-09-2014-0043
Moyo T, Chigara B (2021) “Barriers to lean construction implementation in Zimbabwe. J Eng Design Technol. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-01-2021-0044
Nalimov VV, Mulchenko ZM (1971) Measurement of Science. Study of the Development of Science as an Information Process
Noghabaei M, Heydarian A, Balali V, Han K (2020) Trend analysis on adoption of virtual and augmented reality in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry”. Data (basel). https://doi.org/10.3390/data5010026
Ofori-Kuragu JK, Osei-Kyei R (2021) Mainstreaming pre-manufactured offsite processes in construction: are we nearly there? Constr Innov 21(4):743–760. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-06-2020-0092
Oke A, Aigbavboa C, Mabena S (2017) Effects of automation on construction industry performance. https://doi.org/10.2991/icmmse-17.2017.61
Oladinrin OT, Arif M, Rana MQ, Gyoh L (2022) Interrelations between construction ethics and innovation: a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. Construct Innovat. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-07-2021-0130
Onososen AO, Musonda I (2022a) “Research focus for construction robotics and human-robot teams towards resilience in construction: scientometric review. J Eng Desig Technol. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-10-2021-0590
Onososen AO, Musonda I (2022b) “Ergonomics in construction robotics and human-robot teams in the AEC domain: A review. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci Instit Phys. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1101/5/052003
Oti-Sarpong K, Pärn EA, Burgess G, Zaki M (2022) Transforming the construction sector: an institutional complexity perspective. Constr Innov 22(2):361–387. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-04-2021-0071
Pan J, Manocha D (2015) Efficient Configuration Space Construction and Optimization for Motion Planning. Engineering 1(1):046–057. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-ENG-2015009
Pan W, Pan M (2022) Rethinking lean synergistically in practice for construction industry improvements. Eng Construct Architect Manag. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-04-2021-0346
Park J, Cho YK, Martinez D (2016) A BIM and UWB integrated Mobile Robot Navigation System for Indoor Position Tracking Applications. J Construct Eng Project Manag 6(2):30–39. https://doi.org/10.6106/jcepm.2016.6.2.030
Reinhardt D et al (2019) Towards onsite, modular robotic carbon-fibre winding for an integrated ceiling structure. Construct Robot 3(1–4):23–40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41693-019-00019-3
IR Rodrigues et al. (2022) A framework for robotic arm pose estimation and movement prediction based on deep and extreme learning models,” May 2022, [Online]. Available: http://arxiv.org/abs/2205.13994
Sarhan J, Xia B, Fawzia S, Karim A, Olanipekun A (2018) Barriers to implementing lean construction practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) construction industry. Constr Innov 18(2):246–272. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-04-2017-0033
Sevryugina NS, Volkov EA, Litovchenko EP (2014) Justification for Remote Control of Construction and Road-Making Machines. Mod Appl Sci 8(5):179–185. https://doi.org/10.5539/mas.v8n5p179
Solovey K, Salzman O, Halperin D (2016) Finding a needle in an exponential haystack: Discrete RRT for exploration of implicit roadmaps in multi-robot motion planning. Internat J Robot Res. https://doi.org/10.1177/0278364915615688
Statsenko L, Samaraweera A, Bakhshi J, Chileshe N (2022) Construction 4.0 technologies and applications: a systematic literature review of trends and potential areas for development. Construct Innovat. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-07-2021-0135
Su H-N, Lee P-C (2010) Mapping knowledge structure by keyword co-occurrence: a first look at journal papers in Technology Foresight. Scientometrics 85(1):65–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-010-0259-8
Sutrisna M, Goulding J (2019) Managing information flow and design processes to reduce design risks in offsite construction projects. Eng Constr Archit Manag 26(2):267–284. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2017-0250
Tavares P, Marques D, Malaca P, Veiga G, Costa P, Moreira AP (2020) Optimal automatic path planner and design for high redundancy robotic systems. Ind Robot 47(1):131–139. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-09-2018-0194
Tlach V, Kuric I, Zajačko I, Kumičáková D, Rengevič A (2018) The Design of Method Intended for Implementation of Collaborative Assembly Tasks. Adv Sci Technol Res J 12(1):244–250. https://doi.org/10.12913/22998624/86476
Tong P, Wilhelm HC (2022) A strategy for integrating hillside dwelling design and automated construction techniques. Smart Sustain Built Environ 11(2):387–403. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-11-2021-0198
Turner CJ, Oyekan J, Stergioulas L, Griffin D (2021) Utilizing Industry 4.0 on the Construction Site: Challenges and Opportunities. IEEE Trans Industr Inform 17(2):746–756. https://doi.org/10.1109/TII.2020.3002197
Villanueva EM, Mamledesai H, Martinez P, Poostchi P, Ahmad R (2021) Design and simulation of an automated robotic machining cell for cross-laminated timber panels. Procedia CIRP. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2021.05.026
Wen J, Gheisari M (2020) Using virtual reality to facilitate communication in the AEC domain: a systematic review. Construct Innov. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-11-2019-0122
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by NSERC funding: NSERC AOO 586056-23 Ahmad & NSERC RGPIN-2017-04516 Ahmad.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
JC: conceptualization, literature search, data analysis writing—original draft, writing—review and editing. PM: writing—review and editing. RA: supervision, writing—review and editing.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Cardenas, J.A., Martinez, P. & Ahmad, R. Integrating lean and robotics in the construction sector: a scientometric analysis. Constr Robot 8, 2 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41693-024-00117-x
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41693-024-00117-x