Exploring Chatbot Technology for Communication in Construction Support Activities

Abstract

     The instant messaging program is a communication tool used to exchange information between groups on a construction project. It is a communication channel that users can reply to each other immediately. Nowadays, chatbot technology is used to support communication and use it through instant messaging applications. Chatbots can communicate like humans, thus reducing the burden of human communication and enabling automated information exchange. However, there are few uses of chatbot technology in construction support activities. This research paper aims to explore the use of chatbot technology for communication in construction support activities. By interviewing people working in the construction site in 3 topics: 1. How to use instant messaging application to communicate in construction support activities 2. Problems of communication in construction support activities 3. The ability of the chatbot technology that users want. The researchers then analyzed the interconnectedness of the three interviews to outline ways to use chatbot technology that could reduce human communication burden, resolve communication problems and meet the needs of users. The results of the study show that chatbots technology can be used for communication in construction support activities such as construction and document file search system that allows flexible search terms, a sequence of interactions that can be tailored to the user's needs and can suggest relevant files that can reduce the time it takes to access files, construction standard inquiry system which is designed to provide quick access to information and immediate monitoring system for work inspection status which can reduce inquiries from relevant parties, etc.