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

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.