A framework for automated assessment of robotisation potential of construction processes

Purpose The construction industry faces severe labour shortages and declining efficiency. While construction robots are regarded as a key solution, a critical gap is that there is currently a lack of effective methods for systematically assessing the potential and priority of robotisation for different construction processes. This study aims to develop a novel framework for scientifically determining the robotisation prioritisation across diverse construction processes. Design/methodology/approach A multidimensional assessment index system is established, considering the task characteristics of construction processes. Based on the index system, this study integrates an improved triangular fuzzy analytic hierarchy process with automated index quantification methods to calculate robotisation potential scores for each process. Through experiments conducted on masonry, reinforcement binding and handling tasks, the effectiveness of the proposed method was validated. Findings The results demonstrate that the framework presented in this study can objectively quantify the robotisation potential of different construction processes and establish clear prioritisation, significantly reducing the subjectivity in evaluating robot adoption. Practical implications The framework serves as a vital decision-support tool in the construction industry. It enables stepwise investment in robotic resources and supports the intelligent transformation of the industry by identifying processes with high robotisation priority. Originality/value This study fills the gap in the systematic assessment of construction robotisation potential. It proposes a unique framework that combines a task characteristic-oriented multidimensional index system with improved fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and automated quantification methods, providing an innovative and scientific tool for robotisation prioritisation in construction.