Entrepreneurship Under Uncertainty: Insights into Construction Robotics

Abstract

This research investigates the uncertainties impacting the adoption of construction robotics, focusing on socio-technical, techno-economic, and socio-economic challenges. Construction robotics faces constraints due to technological, economic, and social ambiguities, with significant variations in perceptions among stakeholders. For instance, animal-like robots are perceived as more adaptable, while human-like and machine-like robots are seen as higher job loss risks. Cost-benefit analysis reveals that only certain hardware developments lower costs in 3D concrete printing, suggesting a strategic delay for higher-cost options. Institutional misalignments, such as differences in cognition, market strategies, and timelines between founders and investors, further hinder progress. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, case studies, and simulation models, to assess these uncertainties. Future research should explore whether these misalignments are temporary challenges or inherent features, guiding interventions to better align construction industry practices with technological advancements.