Pioneering Innovation In Construction Robotics: Adetayo Onososen Earns PhD For Groundbreaking Contributions

In a landmark achievement for both Nigeria and the global construction industry, Dr. Adetayo Olugbenga Onososen has been awarded a PhD in Construction Management from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). His groundbreaking research, which explores the transformative potential of robotics and virtual reality (VR) in enhancing human-robot collaboration on construction sites, has earned widespread acclaim for its innovative contributions to the field.

Dr. Onososen’s PhD research addresses a critical area in construction: the need for safer and more efficient collaboration between humans and robots. By integrating VR-based training, his study introduced a new model that significantly enhances the way workers learn to interact with robots in dynamic and high-risk construction environments. Unlike previous research, which relied on self-reported assessments and isolated task scenarios, Dr. Onososen’s model incorporates a more holistic approach, focusing on key elements such as the learner’s state of mind, VR usability, immersive features, and the overall learning experience. This innovative model and other studies in construction digitalisation have already been published in 28 Scopus-indexed journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, offering a valuable roadmap for the future of construction safety and productivity.

During the convocation ceremony, UJ’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Letlhokwa George Mpedi, highlighted the university’s global stature and its commitment to fostering academic excellence. He stated, “UJ’s academic robustness is recognized by the most prestigious global higher education ranking systems, and we have emerged as a formidable player on the world stage. Our graduates, like Dr. Onososen, are agile, curious, and active participants in shaping the future with their innovative contributions. His work in construction robotics exemplifies the societal impact we strive to create.”

Prof. Innocent Musonda, who co-supervised Dr. Onososen’s research alongside Prof. Ramabodu Molusiwa, praised the doctoral candidate’s contributions during the reading of his laudation. Prof. Musonda remarked, “Dr. Onososen’s research represents a major leap forward in the field of construction robotics. By advancing human-robot collaboration, he has laid the groundwork for safer and more efficient practices in the construction industry. His work is poised to transform the way we build.”

The global recognition of Dr. Onososen’s research has been nothing short of extraordinary. His work has won numerous awards for research excellence, including prestigious accolades from Emerald Publishing, one of the world’s leading academic publishing houses, as well as honours from Rotaract International.

These awards underscore the global impact of his contributions, which have already made waves in academic and industry circles alike.

Dr. Onososen’s research employs advanced methodologies such as interpretive structural modelling, systems thinking, and structural equation modelling, enabling a rigorous analysis of how VR can optimize training for human-robot collaboration. His innovation is particularly notable for its ability to simulate real-world construction scenarios, providing a reliable and scalable method for improving workplace safety and operational efficiency.

Reflecting on his achievement, Dr Onososen said, “I am deeply honoured to contribute to a field that has the potential to revolutionize construction practices. My hope is that this research will not only make construction sites safer but also encourage greater adoption of robotics and virtual reality technologies to drive progress across the industry.”

Dr. Onososen’s journey to academic excellence began with a BTech in Quantity Surveying from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and an MSc from the University of Lagos, where he graduated with distinction. His professional career includes extensive experience as a consultant in project management for building and civil engineering projects in Nigeria’s banking and public sectors. Since 2021, he has also played a key role in co-editing and organizing the internationally recognized DII conferences, further solidifying his standing as a thought leader in the construction sector.

The success of Dr. Onososen’s research highlights UJ’s reputation as a global leader in academic and research excellence. Under the guidance of esteemed scholars such as Prof. Musonda and Prof. Molusiwa, UJ has created a thriving environment for groundbreaking research, particularly in emerging fields like construction robotics. As Prof. Mpedi emphasized, “Our mission at UJ is to nurture innovators who drive societal change, and Dr. Onososen is a shining example of the impact our graduates can have on the world.”

Dr Onososen’s work comes at a critical time for the construction industry, which is under increasing pressure to innovate amid growing urbanization and the demand for sustainable infrastructure. His research not only offers practical solutions for improving safety and collaboration on construction sites but also sets a new standard for how digital technologies can be leveraged to address complex challenges in the industry.

With his PhD, Dr. Onososen has positioned himself as a pioneer in the field of construction robotics, and his innovative research is expected to inspire future developments in the sector. His work exemplifies the bold, forward-thinking approach that defines UJ’s commitment to creating graduates who are not just participants in the workforce but are true agents of change.

As construction companies around the world look to adopt more advanced technologies to stay competitive, Dr. Onososen’s research will undoubtedly serve as a critical resource, guiding the industry toward a future that is safer, smarter, and more efficient. His PhD marks not just a personal milestone but a significant advancement in the evolution of construction practices worldwide.