Assessing trust in construction AI-powered collaborative robots using structural equation modeling

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the key technical and psychological factors that impact the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals' trust in collaborative robots (cobots) powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This study seeks to address the critical knowledge gaps surrounding the establishment and reinforcement of trust among AEC professionals in their collaboration with AI-powered cobots. In the context of the construction industry, where the complexities of tasks often necessitate human--robot teamwork, understanding the technical and psychological factors influencing trust is paramount. Such trust dynamics play a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness of human--robot collaboration on construction sites. This research employed a nationwide survey of 600 AEC industry practitioners to shed light on these influential factors, providing valuable insights to calibrate trust levels and facilitate the seamless integration of AI-powered cobots into the AEC industry. Additionally, it aimed to gather insights into opportunities for promoting the adoption, cultivation, and training of a skilled workforce to effectively leverage this technology. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that safety and reliability are significant factors for the adoption of AI-powered cobots in construction. Fear of being replaced resulting from the use of cobots can have a substantial effect on the mental health of the affected workers. A lower error rate in jobs involving cobots, safety measurements, and security of data collected by cobots from jobsites significantly impact reliability, and the transparency of cobots' inner workings can benefit accuracy, robustness, security, privacy, and communication and result in higher levels of automation, all of which demonstrated as contributors to trust. The study's findings provide critical insights into the perceptions and experiences of AEC professionals toward adoption of cobots in construction and help project teams determine the adoption approach that aligns with the company's goals workers' welfare.