Competencies for human–robot collaboration in the construction industry: perspectives from academia and industry

Abstract Robotic automation in construction has created the need for new competencies that will enable the workforce to engage with robots safely and effectively. However, differing perceptions between industry professionals and academia make aligning academic programs with industry needs challenging. This study evaluates these perceptions to guide the design of HRC training programs. A three-round Delphi study was conducted separately with panels of industry professionals and academic experts to assess their views on HRC competencies in construction. The findings revealed that both panels identified human–robot interfaces, HRC safety and standards, robot control systems, and construction robot applications as the top five HRC knowledge areas. Industry professionals also emphasized task planning knowledge, while academic experts focused on HRC ethics. Key HRC skills include effective communication, safety management, technical proficiency, and compliance with regulations and standards, with industry professionals prioritizing proficiency in task planning and academics emphasizing human–robot interface proficiency. Both expert panels prioritized teamwork, continuous learning, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability as top-rated HRC abilities. This study contributes to knowledge by defining key HRC competencies and identifying differences in priorities between industry and academia. These insights can guide the development of academic curricula that better align with industry needs, supporting the creation of training programs that equip the workforce with the competencies required for safe and effective robotic collaboration. The study also promotes collaboration between industry and academia, fostering innovation in HRC and robotics in construction. Future research directions are proposed to explore innovative training methods to equip the future workforce with HRC competencies.