Gender Impact Matrix - InCUBE Technologies

The second investigation assesses the potential of selected InCUBE technologies to enhance women’s inclusion across the eight dimensions monitored in the Gender Impact Matrix.

Technologies include prefabricated construction (e.g., modular facades, BIPV pre-installed on prefab facades); BIM-connected robotic systems; Drone-enabled surveying and modelling; Planning, coordination and process optimisation tools (e.g., Lean construction platform, job scheduling optimiser, IPD, A3 and LPS–driven Rehabilitation); Real-time safety monitoring systems (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment Monitoring System; Anti-Collision System; Resilience dashboard); and AR/VR Training Suite.

In the matrix below, hover on the name of each tool or technology to discover more.

Respondents perceiving each technology as beneficial in each dimension

Key findings

InCUBE technologies are seen as supporting gender inclusion, mainly by changing how work is carried out rather than directly addressing structural inequalities.

Activities that were previously manual and physically demanding are now assisted, automated, or digitally supported, reducing physical strain and exposure to risk. This is reflected in technologies such as prefabrication, BIM-connected robotics, and drone-enabled surveying, which are associated with transforming the nature of work by 67%, 57%, and 61% of respondents, respectively. These technologies are also linked to improved on-site safety, particularly prefabrication at 60% and BIM-connected robotics at 55%.

More importantly, they shift where tasks are performed. Some activities are moving from on-site environments to more controlled off-site settings, such as prefabrication facilities. These environments are generally safer and more predictable, contributing to improved working conditions.

InCUBE technologies have a potential to create new roles and skill profiles within the sector. The growing importance of digital, technical, and coordination-based roles reduces reliance on physical strength. This shift can broaden access to the sector, particularly for women and younger workers. Drone-enabled surveying is most strongly linked to skill development at 72%, followed by prefabrication at 58%. AR and VR training plays an important role in improving access to education, identified by 69% of respondents, and supporting skill development at 50%.

Lastly, planning and coordination tools are mainly associated with improving workplace culture and organisation. A total of 75% of respondents link these tools to a more inclusive work environment, while 39% associate them with better work-life balance. Real-time safety monitoring is valued for improving health and well-being, with agreement that safer working conditions could increase job attractiveness and retention for women.

Gender differences remain visible in how these benefits are perceived. For example, 94% of women associate planning tools with improved workplace culture, compared to 60% of men. Similarly, 81% of women link prefabrication to changes in the nature of work, compared to 59% of men. At the same time, there is strong agreement across genders on key benefits. Real-time safety monitoring is associated with improved on-site safety by 85% of men and 81% of women, while AR and VR training is recognised for improving access to education by 70% of men and 69% of women.

Overall, the analysis highlights three broader insights:

First, technologies are mainly seen as enabling tools rather than fully transformative solutions, highlighting the continued importance of addressing cultural barriers within the sector.
Second, technology is not inherently inclusive, and without organisational change it may reproduce existing inequalities.
Third, the impact of technology depends on how it is implemented, particularly in relation to access to training, role allocation, and career progression opportunities.