Envisioning a Human Centric Approach to C4.0 Technologies
2022
Download PDFDOI: https://doi.org/10.60164/30b5h6i2c
Authors: Karim Noueihed, Farook Hamzeh
Citation:
Noueihed, K., & Hamzeh, F. (2022). Envisioning a Human Centric Approach to C4.0 Technologies. In Lean Construction Journal pp. 156–170.
Abstract:
Question: Q1) What are the social impacts of C4.0 technologies on people in the construction industry? Q2) How is the industry coping with this digital shift?
Purpose: This purpose of this paper is to explore the literature on the social impacts of C4.0 technologies. It compares different findings, analyzes them, and reflects on how practitioners need to consider a more humane approach when implementing new technologies. Artificial intelligence was used as a case study in this research.
Research Method: The authors conducted a synthetic literature review to project a critical view on the literature findings, identify trends and patterns, and reflect on them. Reflections were in form of statements and questions that would trigger more thought on how to approach this digital shift.
Findings: The findings shows that the industry’s approach to adopt C4.0 technologies overlooks the social factor and social impacts of their adoption. Also, the paper highlights the need for a human-centric approach, such as Lean Construction 4.0, to preserve the social aspect amidst this revolution.
Limitations: The study only covers a part of the body of knowledge found in the literature. Moreover, the research tackled artificial intelligence as a specific case and can be extended to cover a wider range of technologies.
Implications: The paper highlighted the importance and the need of using a humancentric framework in the shift toward digitalization. It also raises a set of questions that address the subtle impacts that C4.0 technologies impose on people in the industry.
Value for authors: This study will give companies and practitioners a new perspective on how to plan for adopting technologies in our industry. It will help them ask the right questions focusing on the social and human factors in their assessment.
Keywords: Construction 4.0, human-centric, social impacts, Lean Construction, artificial intelligence
Paper type: Full paper.