Key Competencies Necessary for Advancing Human–Wearable Robot Interactions in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Review

Wearable robots have been proposed as a potential solution to the growing problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the construction industry. However, significant barriers to wearable robot adoption exists, specifically a lack of training programs to sufficiently train the workforce and a lack of clearly defined competency frameworks for workforce readiness. As a result, this study presents a comprehensive Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRIMSA)-compliant systematic literature review (SLR) of the key knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to implement human–wearable robot (HWR) interactions in the construction industry. A literature search was conducted using the Scopus academic database, which yielded 97 articles. All articles were subjected to a qualitative content analysis, and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in 61 articles to address the research objectives. The SLR findings revealed an increasing publication trend on HWR interactions between 2014 and 2024. Findings show that the majority of the studies were conducted across all continents, with the exception of Africa, where no relevant studies were identified. A total of 68 competencies were identified, categorized into knowledge (such as engineering principles and human-body mechanics) (32 competencies), skills (such as wearable robot operations and ergonomic evaluation) (20 competencies), and abilities (such as analytical thinking and adaptability) (16 competencies). To develop the identified competencies, a conceptual framework for advancing HWR interaction was designed. The framework suggests the need for professional and educational program reforms, as well as industry–academic collaboration, to develop competencies and advance HWR interactions. Finally, knowledge gaps in existing studies were identified, and recommendations were made for future research.