Internet of Things for Prefabricated Buildings: A Review and Future Outlook

This article presents a systematic review of Internet of Things technology applications across the entire lifecycle of prefabricated buildings. By combining bibliometric analysis with qualitative research methods, seven key research topics in this field are identified and analyzed: integrated information management platforms, position tracking, quality checking and management, project management and cost control, carbon emissions monitoring, indoor environment monitoring, and data security and information encryption. The current research status and challenges pertaining to each of these topics are critically assessed with emphasis on the main challenges in terms of automation level and accuracy, system integration and data interoperability, and deployment economy and robustness. The findings reveal that current IoT applications in prefabricated buildings are mainly focused on data collection, data visualization, and status monitoring, and future research should further strengthen the integration of IoT with AI, big data, and other technologies to promote predictive analysis, intelligent optimization, and autonomous decision-making. Three key topics are subsequently discussed from a management perspective: collaborative carbon information flow management, human-centered health and safety management, and finally, smart operation, maintenance, and disassembly driven by a circular economy, and directions are proposed for their future integration and innovation with emerging technologies. This study provides directional recommendations and references for researchers and practitioners in related fields. The review further suggests that the future development of IoT-enabled prefabricated buildings requires not only technological breakthroughs but also the collaborative evolution of digital technologies, construction practices, and industrial systems, supported by effective management mechanisms, industry collaboration, and practical implementation strategies.