A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling of Robotics Implementation for Sustainable Building Projects: A Case in Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainability concepts should be adopted via new technologies to achieve the greatest possible gains without compromising the objectives of projects. In this research, we empirically investigated the influence of identified drivers on the implementation of robotics in the building sector of developing countries. To this end, with a view to sustainable building projects, the drivers of robotics were derived from the literature, which were subsequently contextually adjusted using a survey method through the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method. The results of EFA revealed that the drivers of robotics can be classified into three primary constructs: technology, industry, and culture. However, the benefits of implementing robotics can be grouped into two primary constructs: resources and environment. Therefore, in this study, we employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the connections amongst drivers and applications of robotics in Nigeria’s building industry. The results indicated that the input to the implementation of robotics in Nigeria’s building industry via the drivers of robotics has a considerable influence at a small scale, with an impact of 14.5%. The findings of this study can serve as a guide for policymakers looking to improve their projects and increase sustainability by using robotics in the building sector.