Table 2 Contributions, limitations and research gaps of studies on drone implementation.
From: Investigating barriers to drones implementation in sustainable construction using PLS-SEM
S/no | Studies | Contributions | Research Gap/ Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Framework for mitigating construction site accident | There is a prerequisite to discovering safety issues in the construction sector | |
2 | Comprehensive identification of risk in the building business Proper response and control of risks/ hazards | Lack of systematic review of literature and content analysis of the existing literature concerning hazard identification. Lack of proper risk management by construction companies | |
3 | Detailed assessment/review of safety factors; Dressing Assistance Robot Review | Developed a multi-component toolkit for safety management Neglects continuous and direct physical human contact | |
4 | Technologies for safety and health management in construct ruction; Effective application of quadcopter drones for security and safety monitoring | There is a need to overcome technology implementation barriers and the low adoption of drones in the building business | |
5 | Aghimien et al. 102 | PLS-SEM modelling to assess drone use in the construction industry—analysis of automation and robotics adoption impediments | There is a knowledge gap concerning participants’ behavioural intention to use UAV applications There is a need to explore barriers to automation and the adoption of robotics |
6 | Balasubramanian et al. 103 | New framework for policy development, support and intervention mechanisms | Lack of comprehensive use of Industry 4IR by the construction industry |
7 | Law 104 | Examined drone technology and its effects on the building business | There is a need to address the challenges of initial costs, top management support and operation and maintenance support |
8 | York et al. 105 | Examined potential UAV applications and challenges limiting their implementation | There is a need to improve the processing and collection approaches of big spatial data, especially for larger building projects |
9 | Almalki et al. 106 | This study introduces a low-cost platform for environmental monitoring in smart farming, integrating IoT sensors and UAV technology. This platform enhances crop productivity and farm management by providing real-time environmental data | The study did not explicitly address the mechanisms to protect this data from unauthorized access or breaches |
10 | Alsamhi et al. 107 | The study introduces a blockchain-based framework to enhance the security of multi-drone collaboration during swarm operations. This framework uses blockchain technology as a communication tool to broadcast instructions and secure the consensus achievement process among drones, particularly in the presence of potential security threats like Byzantine drones | While the blockchain framework improves security and consensus in drone swarms, the scalability of this solution in larger and more complex environments remains a challenge. The study suggests that further research is needed to adapt the network design for extensive and heterogeneous drone operations |
11 | Saif et al. 108 | n: The study introduces a novel approach using UAVs integrated with Device to Device (D2D) communications to establish reliable communication links in disaster-stricken areas. This ensures the continuity of emergency communication services despite damaged infrastructure | The system’s effectiveness heavily relies on the stability and availability of UAVs, which adverse weather conditions or technical failures can compromise |
12 | Aiyetan and Das 109 | It systematically identifies critical barriers to drone adoption in construction, such as lack of knowledge, regulatory challenges, and the need for pilot licensing. Also, the paper evaluates strategic measures to overcome these barriers, including government policy formulation, training for competency building, and airspace permissions specifically for construction sites | The research relies on perception data from professionals, who may not fully capture the complex on-ground realities of drone implementation in construction. The study focuses primarily on South Africa and India, which may limit its generalizability to other developing countries with different regulatory and economic environments |
13 | Aghimien et al. 102 | It identifies crucial factors affecting the behavioural intention to use UAVs in construction, including performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. This research applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, enhancing the understanding of technology adoption in the construction sector | The study is confined to South Africa, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other developing countries with different socio-economic contexts. The study focuses on behavioural intentions rather than actual usage, which might not fully reflect the real-world challenges and outcomes associated with UAV adoption in construction |
14 | Liang et al. 110 | It provides a detailed overview of the current advancements in UAV technology for construction monitoring and inspection. Also, the study highlights recent technological advancements in UAVs, including different types of drones and sensors used in construction, which enhance safety, | While it addresses these challenges, the study might not provide detailed strategies or solutions for navigating the complex regulatory environments across different regions |
15 | Yahya et al. 111 | The paper provides detailed insights specific to the Malaysian construction industry, enhancing stakeholders’ understanding within this geographic and economic context of how to integrate drone technology effectively | While providing valuable insights into Malaysia’s construction sector, the study’s findings may not directly apply to regions with different regulatory, economic, and technological landscapes. Also, the study primarily utilizes qualitative methods, which, while rich in detail, may not capture the breadth of perspectives that quantitative data might provide |
16 | Dejonghe 112 | This paper identifies specific barriers to drone adoption in construction, such as regulatory issues, technical limitations, and resistance from within the industry | The study might have a limited geographic focus, which could affect the generalizability of the findings to other regions with different regulatory and economic environments. Also, the study may rely more on theoretical analysis than empirical data, which could affect the practical applicability of the recommendations in real-world settings |
