## 4 Discussion  
### History and Trends  
This study offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of recent advancements in construction robotics through a bibliometric analysis. Unlike previous literature reviews, which often focused narrowly on specific applications or regional developments, this work adopts a global perspective. This work integrates interdisciplinary technologies and their impacts on the construction industry, providing a more holistic understanding of how AI, BIM, and sensor technologies have collectively shaped the evolution of construction robotics [46].  
The differences of this work compared to earlier studies can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, this work incorporates a broader range of data sources, ensuring a more representative sample of global research efforts. This comprehensive approach allowed us to capture trends and developments that might have been overlooked in previous studies. Secondly, this work's focus on interdisciplinary integration highlights how advancements in AI and sensor technologies have accelerated the development of construction robotics, a dimension less emphasized in previous reviews [19]. Additionally, this methodology allowed us to identify emerging trends, such as the increasing attention paid to human-robot collaboration and virtual reality applications, which were under-represented in earlier analyses [47].  
In the context of the construction robot industry, the phenomena of market adoption barriers and economic feasibility can also be analyzed using the content of the academic literature. For example, in terms of investment trends, global venture capital funding in construction robotics has surged, driven by labor shortages and sustainability mandates; in terms of policy support, analyses of government initiatives (e.g., EU's Horizon 2020 robotics grants, China's \"New Infrastructure\" policy) have accelerated their commercial adoption; and, in terms of cost-benefit challenges, high upfront costs remain a barrier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), necessitating modular and leasing models.  
Despite these strengths, this study has certain limitations. One notable gap is the limited exploration of economic factors influencing the adoption of construction robotics, particularly the high initial costs and maintenance expenses that hinder implementation in smaller firms. Future research should address this by examining cost-benefit analyses and developing strategies to make these technologies more accessible to firms with limited budgets. Another limitation is the relatively static nature of bibliometric analysis, which may not fully capture the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of technological advancements in real-time applications [48]. To address these gaps, future research should prioritize the following:  
1. Extreme environment applications: Deploying robots in underwater construction (e.g., building bridge foundations) or nuclear facility maintenance, leveraging advancements in sensor fusion and autonomous navigation.
2. Green construction integration: Aligning with sustainability goals, such as AI-guided material recycling robots for circular economy practices.  
Global collaborative frameworks: Establishing cross-border consortia to standardize protocols (e.g., ISO certifications for swarm robotics) and sharing best practices.  
Human-centric AI: Developing \"cognitive load\" mitigation systems to enhance human-robot collaboration in high-risk tasks like high-rise welding.  
By bridging these gaps, the field can transition from fragmented innovation to holistic progress, ultimately realizing the vision of Construction 5.0.