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Critical success factors for implementing self-powered wearable internet of things sensors in construction: A systematic literature review and conceptual framework

Author

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  • Huang, Yuxiang
  • Antwi-Afari, Maxwell Fordjour
  • Sun, Bochao
  • Liu, Jie

Abstract

With the advancement of wearable electronics, the material properties, energy systems, and applications of self-powered wearable Internet of Things (IoT) sensors (SWIoTs) have been developed and reviewed across various industries. However, no study has identified and categorized the critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing SWIoTs in construction or developed a conceptual framework for their adoption. This study presents a systematic literature review aimed at identifying CSFs, developing conceptual frameworks, and discussing potential applications, research gaps, and future directions. Following PRISMA guidelines, 339 journal articles from the Scopus database were analyzed to extract insights into publication trends, key journals, and research methodologies. The results identified 28 CSFs, categorized into five domains: (1) sensor materials and user comfort, (2) sensor structural design and topology, (3) sensor performance and functionality, (4) system integration and application, and (5) energy harvesting and power consumption. Two loop conceptual frameworks, the classification-based loop conceptual framework and the CSF-based loop conceptual framework, illustrate the interdependence among these CSFs. The potential applications of CSFs for SWIoTs include (1) structural health monitoring, (2) worker safety and human-centric monitoring, and (3) real-time machinery health monitoring. Three key research gaps were identified: (1) optimizing SWIoTs materials for biomechanical resilience and environmental adaptability, (2) advancing mission-critical energy harvesting for building energy systems, and (3) enhancing architecture-agnostic interoperability for large-scale deployment. Future research should focus on ergonomic SWIoTs design, durable and self-healing materials, hybrid energy harvesting, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven energy management, and scalable, interoperable sensor integration. This is the first study to systematically classify the CSFs and uncover the conceptual framework of SWIoTs in the construction industry, thereby contributing to a strategic-level roadmap for their implementation in construction.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Yuxiang & Antwi-Afari, Maxwell Fordjour & Sun, Bochao & Liu, Jie, 2025. "Critical success factors for implementing self-powered wearable internet of things sensors in construction: A systematic literature review and conceptual framework," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 401(PC).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:401:y:2025:i:pc:s0306261925015661
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126836
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