Automation and robotics implementation in developing countries opportunities for the Malaysian construction industry

The construction industry demands effective construction organisations, efficient construction processes and innovative construction techniques to effectively compete under increasing globalisation, market competition and technological advancements. The implementation of innovative technologies in construction such as automation and robotics has the potential to improve the industry in terms of productivity, safety and quality; thus increasing the industry's capability to generate higher output at a lower unit cost with better quality products. The construction work site could be contained in a safer environment, with more efficient execution of the work, greater consistency of the outcome and higher level of control over the production process. Most developing countries have seen a dramatic increase in both output and employment in the construction industry for the past 30 years. In Malaysia, due to the prolonged growth, the construction industry has been forced to rely on foreign tabour, mostly from neighbouring Indonesia. There is consensus among employers in the industry that it will continue to depend on imported tabour, regularised or otherwise, in the foreseeable future. It is within this area that construction automation and robotics can prove to be most useful in terms of decreasing labour-intensive work processes and thus reducing the country's over-dependency on foreign workers. This will also translate into a long term measure of ensuring sustainable growth as well as minimising socio-economic implications. This paper aims to give an overview on current construction automation and robotics technologies and discuss the appropriateness of use of these technologies in a developing country such as Malaysia. By identifying common factors within the Malaysian construction industry, and investigating ways in which these might facilitate the use of automation and robotics, strategic approaches can be developed for increasing the efficiency of the industry through the adoption of these technologies in construction. By re-examining the current construction work processes and technology availability, greater opportunities can be ascertained for the Malaysian construction industry in increasing production efficiency and developing positive changes for the future.