Assessing barriers of automation and robotics adoption in the Indian construction industry: a fuzzy DEMATEL approach

Purpose Despite global advancements, the Indian construction industry lags in adopting technologies like robots, artificial intelligence, drones, unmanned ground vehicles and Internet of Things sensors due to various barriers. This reliance on traditional practices leads to persistent issues such as labour shortages, low productivity, safety risks, cost overruns and delays. Identifying and addressing these barriers is crucial for adopting advanced technologies. Hence, this study aims to identify and assess the influential barriers to construction automation and robotics (AaR) in India using a systematic approach. Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature review identified key barriers, including technological, financial, regulatory, environmental and organisational. A questionnaire survey was conducted among industry professionals, and the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory technique was used to evaluate the interrelationships and relative significance of these barriers. Findings The results of the study reveal the most critical cause barriers as “high initial cost”, “rigidity in organisational processes and procedures”, “interoperability”, “lack of competency” and “lack of standardisation”. These barriers subsequently influence the top two effect barriers such as “market uncertainty” and “ethical concerns”. Practical implications This research offers a systematic and quantitative assessment, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and develop strategies to overcome barriers to AaR adoption, unlocking the transformative potential of AaR in India’s construction sector. Originality/value Despite potential benefits, the adoption of AaR in Indian construction remains limited due to various barriers. This study provides novel insights with the first comprehensive assessment of these barriers and their interrelationships.