Cognitive Workload in Human-Robot Collaboration in Construction: A Systematic Review

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Nana Kwabena Asamoah Antwi, Didong Xu, Gilles Albeaino and Chukwuma Nnaji

Abstract

The growing integration of robotic technologies into construction operations has created new opportunities to enhance safety, precision, and productivity. However, as robots increasingly share workspaces with human collaborators, understanding the cognitive demands imposed on construction individuals becomes critical to ensuring efficient and safe human-robot collaboration (HRC). As such, this study systematically reviews existing body of research on cognitive workload in HRC within the construction domain. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this study systematically reviews empirical evidence from 32 peer-reviewed studies published across Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The review examines cognitive workload under three identified key themes: (1) robot control and communication, (2) task sharing and delegation, as well as (3) work and environment conditions. It synthesizes the measurement approaches employed across the studies, including subjective, physiological, and behavioral indicators, identifies research gaps, and proposes future directions. By integrating insights from empirical studies, this review establishes a conceptual foundation for human-centered robot design and provides practical guidance for developing human-centered and cognitively aware collaborative environments.

Keyphrases: collaborative robot, human factors, human robot collaboration, workload

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 1192-1201.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/2hJn
	https://doi.org/10.29007/1ggl

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Cognitive_Workload_Human_Robot,
  author    = {Nana Kwabena Asamoah Antwi and Didong Xu and Gilles Albeaino and Chukwuma Nnaji},
  title     = {Cognitive Workload in Human-Robot Collaboration in Construction: A Systematic Review},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/2hJn},
  doi       = {10.29007/1ggl},
  pages     = {1192-1201},
  year      = {2026}}

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