Influence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Unmanned Ground Vehicles on Workers Hazard Recognition Performance

As the construction industry evolves into a smart construction paradigm, the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) signifies a pivotal shift towards automation and intelligent environments. This study investigates the impact of robotic integration on workers' hazard recognition performance (HRP) using an innovative virtual reality (VR) platform. Participants engaged in a controlled VR-based work-at-height scenario, allowing for the assessment of their hazard identification abilities in environments with and without UAVs and UGVs. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant 32% reduction in HRP when UAVs and UGVs were present, emphasizing the potential cognitive challenges and distractions associated with robotic systems. The findings underscore the need for enhanced training programs to address the cognitive demands and potential distractions posed by robotics in construction. Future research should extend these findings by incorporating eye-tracking technology to analyze visual attention patterns and explore a broader range of construction scenarios. This comprehensive approach aims to prepare workers for the complexities of smart construction and foster safer, more effective operational practices.