About

Omobolanle Ogunseiju is an assistant professor in the School of Building Construction at Georgia Tech. She earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning from the Department of Building Construction at Virginia Tech, where she was recognized as the outstanding doctoral candidate at the Myers Lawson School of Construction and the outstanding doctoral student in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. Her research interests focus on advancing workforce development—specifically safety, health, and well-being—and developing smart communities through the application of wearable robots and Artificial Intelligence, enabled by digital twin, cyber-physical systems, data sensing, and reality capture technologies. She is particularly interested in understanding and shaping the human–technological dynamics involved in workforce development, safety, and health within the construction sector, including the ethical concerns of automation and robotics. Omobolanle is an active member of the Diversity and Inclusion Council at the College of Design and has received several awards for her research and scholarship, including the Academic Outstanding Research and Scholarship award at Georgia Tech.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Embedded system
• Computer Security
• Artificial Intelligence
• Simulation
• Human–computer interaction
• Business
• Physical therapy
• Engineering management
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Medicine
• Structural engineering
• Systems engineering
• Risk analysis (engineering)
• Multimedia
• Knowledge management
• Software engineering
• Mechanical engineering

Selected publications

• Investigating professional technical identity practices of autonomous robots in the construction industry: a social practice theory perspective

  Urbanization, sustainability and society. · 2026-04-08

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Purpose The construction industry is rapidly advancing technologically, with robotics playing a vital role in enhancing project efficiency, safety and productivity, thus necessitating a skilled workforce that can advance robotics. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the professional technical identity (PTI) practices required for the effective implementation of autonomous robots, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted, using purposive and snowball sampling to recruit 15 construction professionals experienced in UAV operations. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed thematically to gain insights into their PTI practices, such as knowledge, skills and experiences. Findings The findings categorize UAV knowledge and skills into four domains: regulatory, operational, technical proficiency in data analysis and soft skills. Competencies include adherence to FAA regulations, pre- and post-flight planning, situational awareness and proficiency in tools such as photogrammetry, DroneDeploy and Pix4D. The study also highlights a five-step structured framework for cultivating UAV expertise and addresses challenges such as regulatory hurdles and environmental risks. Practical implications The findings inform curriculum development by integrating UAV-related training and certifications into CEM programs. The study promoting UAV proficiency contributes to safer, more efficient construction practices and prepares students for a technology-driven industry, enhancing their employability and professional identity. Originality/value This study is among the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to empirically connect professional identity with autonomous robotics implementation by examining how professionals reason, think and act while using UAVs within the dynamic and complex construction environment.

  PublisherDOI

• Visual Accessibility in a Virtual Kitchen: Effects of Open Shelving on Performance, Cognitive Load, and Experience in Older Adults with and without MCI

  arXiv (Cornell University) · 2026-04-25

  preprintOpen accessSenior author

  This study examines how visual accessibility through cabinet design influences task performance, cognitive load, physical activity level, motivation, and user experience in a virtual kitchen among older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Seventeen older adults (7 with MCI, 10 without) completed a repeated-measures item retrieval task under two conditions, closed cabinets and open shelving, using a counterbalanced within-subjects design. Measures included task duration, physical activity level (ENMO), cognitive load (NASA-TLX and gaze entropy), intrinsic motivation (IMI), and post-task interviews. Open shelving significantly reduced task duration (beta = -291.20, p < .001) and physical activity level (beta = -0.00615, p = .008). Gaze entropy increased (beta = 1.29, p = .001), with a significant Setting x MCI interaction (p = .009) and moderation by MoCA score (p < .001). NASA-TLX and intrinsic motivation did not differ significantly between conditions. Qualitative findings indicated reduced reliance on memory-based search and highlighted themes related to independence, aesthetics, safety, and adoption. Overall, visual accessibility improved efficiency and reduced movement demands while altering visual-search organization, with divergence between subjective and objective indicators of cognitive load. These findings support visually accessible design strategies to enhance functional performance and inform cognitively supportive built environments for aging populations.

  PublisherDOI

• Ethical and social risks of exoskeleton in the construction industry: a systematic literature review

  Journal of Information Technology in Construction · 2026-02-16 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  As exoskeletons gain traction in the construction industry, evaluating the ethical and social dimensions of exoskeletons and devising strategies to mitigate these risks becomes imperative. This review focuses on assessing the ethical and social risks associated with the integration of exoskeleton technology in construction, with a goal to enhance worker safety and well-being. Exploring both the potential benefits and challenges of exoskeleton usage, the paper underscores the importance of a balanced approach that reconciles technological advantages with ethical considerations. A systematic literature review was conducted to gather insights into the ethical and social aspects of incorporating exoskeletons in the construction industry. The research involved a comprehensive analysis of existing literature. While the study’s background provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of exoskeleton usage in the global construction industry, this review reveals significant ethical and social concerns surrounding exoskeletons in construction. These include device design, stigmatization, regulatory standards, worker consent and autonomy, trust, potential job displacement, and data privacy. Social considerations include accessibility and affordability, human rights, cultural diversity, and social communication. Effectively addressing these risks requires the establishment of clear ethical guidelines, training, vigilant monitoring, compliance, public engagement, government intervention, and collaboration with researchers and industry stakeholders. While exoskeletons hold the potential to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risks, addressing ethical and social risks is paramount. Neglecting these aspects may impede the acceptance and adoption of exoskeletons, leading to risks such as misuse, decreased social communication, and job displacement. The study proposes a framework that offers insights for industry stakeholders and guides the ethical adoption of exoskeleton technology. A collective effort is necessary to ensure the responsible integration of exoskeletons, fostering a safer and more sustainable construction industry and optimizing their advantages while mitigating disparities and discrimination in the construction industry.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Neuropsychological Responses to Learning Sensing Technologies in Mixed Reality Environments: An Analysis of Cognitive Workload and Brain Activity

  International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction · 2026-02-02

  articleCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Key Competencies Necessary for Advancing Human–Wearable Robot Interactions in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Review

  Journal of Construction Engineering and Management · 2026-04-09

  articleSenior author

  Wearable robots have been proposed as a potential solution to the growing problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the construction industry. However, significant barriers to wearable robot adoption exists, specifically a lack of training programs to sufficiently train the workforce and a lack of clearly defined competency frameworks for workforce readiness. As a result, this study presents a comprehensive Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRIMSA)-compliant systematic literature review (SLR) of the key knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to implement human–wearable robot (HWR) interactions in the construction industry. A literature search was conducted using the Scopus academic database, which yielded 97 articles. All articles were subjected to a qualitative content analysis, and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in 61 articles to address the research objectives. The SLR findings revealed an increasing publication trend on HWR interactions between 2014 and 2024. Findings show that the majority of the studies were conducted across all continents, with the exception of Africa, where no relevant studies were identified. A total of 68 competencies were identified, categorized into knowledge (such as engineering principles and human-body mechanics) (32 competencies), skills (such as wearable robot operations and ergonomic evaluation) (20 competencies), and abilities (such as analytical thinking and adaptability) (16 competencies). To develop the identified competencies, a conceptual framework for advancing HWR interaction was designed. The framework suggests the need for professional and educational program reforms, as well as industry–academic collaboration, to develop competencies and advance HWR interactions. Finally, knowledge gaps in existing studies were identified, and recommendations were made for future research.

  PublisherDOI

• Visual Accessibility in a Virtual Kitchen: Effects of Open Shelving on Performance, Cognitive Load, and Experience in Older Adults with and without MCI

  ArXiv.org · 2026-04-25

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  This study examines how visual accessibility through cabinet design influences task performance, cognitive load, physical activity level, motivation, and user experience in a virtual kitchen among older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Seventeen older adults (7 with MCI, 10 without) completed a repeated-measures item retrieval task under two conditions, closed cabinets and open shelving, using a counterbalanced within-subjects design. Measures included task duration, physical activity level (ENMO), cognitive load (NASA-TLX and gaze entropy), intrinsic motivation (IMI), and post-task interviews. Open shelving significantly reduced task duration (beta = -291.20, p < .001) and physical activity level (beta = -0.00615, p = .008). Gaze entropy increased (beta = 1.29, p = .001), with a significant Setting x MCI interaction (p = .009) and moderation by MoCA score (p < .001). NASA-TLX and intrinsic motivation did not differ significantly between conditions. Qualitative findings indicated reduced reliance on memory-based search and highlighted themes related to independence, aesthetics, safety, and adoption. Overall, visual accessibility improved efficiency and reduced movement demands while altering visual-search organization, with divergence between subjective and objective indicators of cognitive load. These findings support visually accessible design strategies to enhance functional performance and inform cognitively supportive built environments for aging populations.

  PublisherOA PDF

• Exoskeleton Adoption in Construction: How Do Industry Experts Say We Can Prepare the Future Workforce to Advance Exoskeleton Solutions?

  2025-11-02

  articleSenior author

  This research-to-practice full research paper provides an overview of the perspectives of construction professionals utilizing exoskeletons regarding the challenges that hinder their adoption. Implementing and interacting with exoskeletons in the complex and dynamic construction workplace may present challenges. Therefore, it is essential to provide appropriate solutions to improve the adoption rate and facilitate their integration into the construction industry. This requires construction engineering and management (CEM) institutions to understand these challenges and develop a customized curriculum that addresses them while also sensitizing and preparing future professionals (students) to be knowledgeable about exoskeletons. To achieve the study's aim, a semi-structured interview was conducted to gather the perspectives of 10 construction professionals on the implementation of exoskeletons in their workplaces. The professionals' responses were subjected to thematic analysis through the lens of socio-technical systems theory. The findings revealed primary technical and social challenges in exoskeleton implementation, including the nature of activities suitable for exoskeleton use and worker resistance, among others. The findings suggest education and training will be crucial in tackling these challenges. Based on the recommendations made by participants in addressing the challenges and preparing CEM students, an implementation framework was formulated to guide CEM educators and construction professional development institutions in addressing these challenges within their educational and training programs. The findings of this study may assist CEM programs in creating customized initiatives for technological advancement that amalgamate technical expertise with social consciousness, thus equipping the future workforce to address the challenges posed by exoskeletons and other emerging technologies.

  PublisherDOI

• Assessing the ethical, social and psychological risks of active and passive exoskeletons in the construction industry: trust, productivity and stress levels

  Smart and Sustainable Built Environment · 2025-02-07 · 10 citations

  articleSenior author

  Purpose Exoskeletons have the potential to alleviate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), increase productivity and ultimately reduce construction project costs, but the concerns about their ethical, social and psychological risks for the construction industry are unknown. This paper investigates these risks and their implications for exoskeleton acceptance. Design/methodology/approach Participants performed masonry tasks without an exoskeleton and with an active and passive exoskeleton. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, ethical, social and psychological risks associated with exoskeletons, as well as their trust levels, were assessed. Objective data were procured to determine stress and productivity levels with and without these exoskeletons, while subjective data included trust and the ethical and social risks of the exoskeletons. Findings The findings show that lack of informed consent and procuring sensitive health data is an important ethical consideration when using active and passive exoskeletons. Regarding social risks, unequal access to exoskeletons, exoskeleton sharing and exoskeleton costs as major concerns. Furthermore, the findings revealed statistical differences between active and passive exoskeletons in terms of certain social risks. The findings show that participants believed in passive exoskeletons more than active exoskeletons. The results also revealed a strong positive relationship between ethical and social risks, and trust levels. The results also indicated that both exoskeletons induce relatively moderate stress levels and enhance productivity, compared to the no exoskeleton condition. Originality/value This study is one of the few empirical investigations in the construction industry on the ethical and social risks associated with exoskeletons, which can facilitate the adoption of exoskeletons for mitigating MSDs in the construction industry.

  PublisherDOI

• A sustainable future: Leveraging IPD and BIM for green construction success

  Clean Technologies and Recycling · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen access

  In response to growing environmental concerns in the construction industry, we investigated how Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) jointly support the implementation of sustainable construction practices. Using a comparative case study approach, we examined two high-performance projects: Kendeda Building (Living Building Challenge-certified) and Science Square (LEED-certified) to assess how general contractors integrate IPD and BIM in decision-making related to energy use, material optimization, life-cycle assessment, and project coordination. Qualitative data were collected through site visits, observations, and interviews with contractors, while quantitative performance metrics, including cost, schedule, and energy efficiency, were analyzed using a cross-case matrix. Our results showed that IPD–BIM workflows consistently outperformed traditional delivery models, with the studied projects using 55–75% less operational energy, completing 12% faster, and finishing approximately 6% under budget while reducing punch-list items by 25%. These outcomes stem from early-stage collaboration, model-based coordination, and shared accountability embedded in the IPD–BIM process. Here, we present a novel decision-making framework and performance matrix that highlights the tangible benefits and remaining barriers to broader IPD adoption, particularly the need for early trust-building and multiparty contract structures. The findings offer actionable insights for industry professionals seeking to advance sustainable construction through integrated, technology-driven methods.

  PublisherDOI

• Examining the Impacts of Wearable Robots in Mitigating Musculoskeletal Disorders Amongst Masons

  Lecture notes in civil engineering · 2025-01-01 · 1 citations

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Abiola Akanmu

  Virginia Tech

  35 shared

• Nihar Gonsalves

  Virginia Tech

  17 shared

• Chukwuma Nnaji

  Texas A&M University

  14 shared

• Diana Bairaktarova

  University of California, Irvine

  13 shared

• Farrokh Jazizadeh

  Virginia Tech

  7 shared

• Doug A. Bowman

  6 shared

• Johnson Olayiwola

  Virginia Tech

  4 shared

• Mariam Tomori

  Texas A&M University

  4 shared

Labs

• Smart Bees LabPI

Education

• PhD, Building Construction

  Virginia Tech

  2022

Awards & honors

• Academic Outstanding Research and Scholarship award in the C…
• Outstanding Doctoral Candidate at the Myers Lawson School of…
• Outstanding Doctoral Student in the College of Architecture…