Identification of autonomous construction in Malaysian construction project

Abstract

Autonomous Construction are heralded as the primary solution to the construction industry’s chronic productivity and safety issues. However, adoption rates in emerging economies remain inconsistent. This research aims to critically assess two primary dimensions within the Malaysian construction sector; the current level of its implementation among G7 contractors and the barriers impeding the transition toward autonomous workflows. Using a quantitative approach, a survey instrument was administered to 317 G7-grade contractors in Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. A total of 97 valid responses were collected and subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS. This allowed for the ranking of technology types currently in use and a thematic categorization of adoption barriers. The study reveals that the current level of adoption is "superficial," characterized by a heavy reliance on passive supporting technologies (e.g., drones and structural sensors) rather than active autonomous systems (e.g., robotics and 3D printing). The analysis identifies a "barrier hierarchy," where high initial capital expenditure and a critical shortage of specialized digital literacy are the most significant deterrents. Furthermore, a cultural unreadiness within the workforce suggests that the barrier is not merely financial but also organizational. By isolating the current implementation levels from the barriers, this study provides a focused diagnostic of the "digital plateau" facing Malaysian G7 contractors. The findings offer a clear empirical baseline for future researchers to measure the success of Industry 4.0 initiatives in the Southeast Asian construction context.