This study investigates the extent and enablers of automation of construction processes in Nigeria with a view to improving project performance in developing economies. Despite increasing global adoption of automation technologies, there remains a lack of empirical quantification of automation levels in developing countries. Adopting a positivist paradigm and quantitative research design, data were collected from 198 built environment professionals across Lagos and Abuja using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including mean score analysis, t-test, and ANOVA, were employed. Findings reveal that automation adoption in the Nigerian construction industry is low (MS = 2.194), with relatively higher implementation in the pre-construction phase. Significant regional disparities were observed, with Lagos exhibiting higher automation levels than Abuja. Critical enablers identified include stable electricity, technical expertise, and supportive government policy. The study contributes to knowledge by providing implications for Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and Construction 4.0 through the introduction of environmental feasibility as a key determinant of adoption. Furthermore, a Construction Automation Readiness Framework (CARF) is developed to guide policy and implementation in resource-constrained environments. The findings provide a robust empirical and theoretical foundation for advancing automation in developing economies.
N. Olatunde, I. Anugwo, B. F. Adegoke et al.· 2026: Transforming Construct...· 0 citations
The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters present significant challenges for the resilience of the built environment. Conventional construction practices often struggle to respond effectively to these challenges due to their resource-intensive nature, lengthy project timelines, and limited adaptability. Off-site construction (OSC), including modular and prefabricated systems, has emerged as a promising approach for improving construction efficiency, reducing waste, and accelerating infrastructure delivery. At the same time, digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems are transforming the planning, design, and management of built assets. Despite growing interest in these developments, research addressing the intersection of digitalisation, off-site construction, and disaster resilience remains fragmented. This study presents a systematic review of literature examining how digital technologies can enhance the resilience and sustainability of off-site construction systems. The review synthesises existing knowledge on disaster resilience in the built environment and identifies emerging opportunities for integrating digital technologies with OSC practices. The findings reveal that although resilience has been widely discussed in policy and academic discourse, practical implementation within construction delivery remains limited due to institutional, technical, and knowledge barriers. The paper proposes an integrated conceptual framework linking digital technologies, off-site construction, and resilient infrastructure development. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on sustainable and resilient construction by highlighting pathways for integrating digital innovation with modern construction methods to support disaster-resilient built environments.
I. Awodele, M. S. Ramabodu, B. Khuzwayo et al.· 2026: Transforming Construct...· 0 citations
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has positioned construction automation as a critical enabler of efficiency, safety, and productivity within the built environment. However, despite the growing body of literature, existing studies remain fragmented and largely technology-specific, lacking a unified understanding of the field’s intellectual structure and evolution. Addressing this gap, this study provides one of the first comprehensive and data-driven mappings of construction automation research through a global bibliometric review of Scopus-indexed publications. A total of 1,420 documents published between 2015 and 2026 were analysed using productivity analysis and advanced network-based techniques, including keyword co-occurrence and bibliographic coupling. The findings reveal a significant acceleration in research output after 2020, indicating a transition from exploratory studies to a more mature and application-oriented research domain. The field exhibits a moderately concentrated authorship structure and strong geographical dominance by technologically advanced countries, particularly the United States and China. Keyword network analysis identifies three dominant and interconnected thematic clusters: robotics and automated construction technologies, AI-enabled safety monitoring and performance optimisation. The strong interlinkages among these clusters highlight an emerging convergence toward integrated and intelligent construction ecosystems. This study advances theoretical understanding by explicitly mapping the knowledge structure and revealing the convergence of engineering and management perspectives in construction automation research. Unlike prior technology-specific reviews focusing primarily on artificial intelligence, digital intelligence, or Construction 4.0 applications, this study provides a holistic and systematic bibliometric synthesis of construction automation as an integrated research domain, revealing its intellectual structure, thematic convergence, and emerging research trajectories. The findings offer valuable guidance for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to advance digital and automated construction practices.
N. Olatunde, I. Anugwo, B. F. Adegoke et al.· 2026: Transforming Construct...· 0 citations
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