Challenges of Human-Robot Partnership in Future Construction Inspection and Monitoring with a Quadruped Assistant Robot

This research explores the challenges of human-quadruped robot partnership in the process of construction inspection and monitoring. Quadruped robots have shown potential in construction inspection and monitoring because of their ability in traversing uneven terrains. Construction inspection and monitoring which is a crucial process in construction can benefit from the use of autonomous robots by collecting frequent as-built data for facilitating inspection by different stakeholders. However, the adoption of robotic technologies in construction is still low. To realize the full potential of quadruped robotic technologies in construction inspection and monitoring, it is important to understand fundamental challenges that can restrict its widespread adoption. Therefore, this study uses a qualitative approach to identify the challenges of the adoption of an inspector assistant quadruped robot in construction inspection and monitoring through on-site observations, interviews, and a focus group study. The results of this study identified 20 different challenges grouped into five categories, namely, economical, operational, organizational, social, and other challenges. The findings of the study can facilitate the development and implementation of quadruped robotic technology in construction inspection and monitoring.