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Construction — Will bricklayers be gone by 2030? Machines that can install up to 3.000 bricks per day could revolutionize the industry

Published 17/01/2025 às 15:37
Construction
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Technology is advancing rapidly in the construction industry, and machines capable of installing thousands of bricks a day are changing the way we build. Is this the end of bricklayers?

The construction industry is going through a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by technological advances that promise to reconfigure practices traditional.

Among the most notable innovations, masonry robots emerge as a revolutionary solution to historical challenges in the sector, such as low productivity and the shortage of skilled labor.

These machines, specialized in laying bricks, are redefining the limits of efficiency, productivity and sustainability.

The historical role of bricks in construction

Bricks have played a central role in construction since the earliest civilizations. Archaeologists have identified the use of sun-dried bricks as early as 7000 BC, while kiln-fired techniques date back to approximately 3500 BC.

Despite millennia of history, traditional masonry methods have remained essentially the same, characterized by intense manual labor and minimally mechanized processes.

This historical stagnation has contributed to a productivity crisis in the sector. Studies show that, over the last few decades, efficiency on construction sites has been decreasing, as a result of archaic practices and a lack of disruptive innovations.

In this context, masonry robots emerge as a technological response to transform the way we build.

The productivity crisis in the construction industry

The construction industry is facing a chronic productivity crisis. Compared to other sectors, such as manufacturing, the pace of innovation and efficiency gains has been slow.

This situation is aggravated by the difficulty in attracting qualified labor and the high rates of material waste in traditional construction projects.

Robots like the Hadrian X, developed by the Australian company FBR, and the SAM100, from the American Construction Robotics, represent a significant advance.

These devices use advanced technologies to apply mortar and position bricks precisely, following digital models based on architectural designs.

Under ideal conditions, these machines can install up to 3.000 bricks per day, an impressive volume compared to the 300 to 500 bricks laid by a traditional bricklayer in the same period.

This leap in productivity is in line with the Industry 4.0 revolution, where automation, artificial intelligence and data analysis play central roles in the reconfiguration of industrial processes.

The construction industry, one of the sectors most resistant to change, is finally beginning to integrate these technologies on a large scale.

The future of automation in construction

According to a study by the World Economic Forum, by 2030 around 41% of construction tasks could be automated, especially activities that require repetitive effort, such as masonry and mixing materials.

Although some human activities are replaced, the impact on jobs tends to be mitigated by the complexity of certain tasks.

Jobs that require creativity, problem-solving, and customization will continue to be performed by people, while machines ease the burden of strenuous physical labor.

Studies by McKinsey & Company indicate that technologies such as masonry robots have the potential to increase productivity in the sector by up to 50%.

How masonry robots work

Masonry robots are designed to perform repetitive tasks with high precision. Equipped with sophisticated algorithms, sensors and computer vision systems, they can navigate the work environment and perform tasks such as:

  • Brick positioning with millimeter precision;
  • Automatic adjustment of mortar application;
  • Adaptation to different types of bricks and complex shapes;
  • Integration with planning tools and software.

These devices minimize human errors, such as uneven application of mortar, and reduce material waste on the construction site. The combination of automation and precision brings a new level of quality to construction.

Benefits of robotization in bricklaying

The introduction of robots into the masonry sector offers several advantages for both construction companies and workers:

Increased accuracy and quality: Robots are designed to adhere to strict specifications, eliminating common errors in manual construction. Sensors and computer vision systems detect and correct flaws in real time, ensuring a uniform, long-lasting finish.

Productivity scale: While an experienced bricklayer can lay between 300 and 500 bricks per day, robots like the Hadrian X can install more than 1.000 bricks per hour. This capability speeds up projects and significantly reduces delivery times.

Cost reduction: While the initial investment in robots is high, the long-term savings are significant. They replace several steps of manual labor, reducing labor costs and reducing delays and waste.

Enhanced Security: Construction sites are known for their high accident rates. By automating risky tasks, the risks to workers are reduced, creating a safer environment.

Limitations and challenges in civil construction

Despite the numerous advantages, the adoption of masonry robots faces some challenges. The high initial cost of the equipment can be prohibitive for small and medium-sized companies.

Additionally, the training required to operate these machines requires specialization, which may delay their widespread adoption.

Another factor is the environmental impact. Many robots rely on fossil fuels to operate, which contrasts with the growing demand for sustainable practices in the sector.

Additionally, the time required to set up and align these machines on the jobsite can be a hindrance for smaller projects.

Practical examples: Hadrian X and SAM100

SAM100: O SAM100, developed by Construction Robotics, is a semi-automated masonry system that works as an assistant for bricklayers.

It automates tasks such as mortar application and initial brick placement, allowing the human mason to focus on final adjustments. This collaboration between man and machine increases efficiency and reduces physical effort.

Hadrian X: The Hadrian X, on the other hand, is a fully automated solution. Developed by FBR, it can build a house in up to two days, including preparing openings for doors and windows, as well as installing plumbing and electrical conduits. Its accuracy and speed make it ideal for large-scale projects.

Sustainability in automated masonry

Masonry robots also play an important role in sustainability. By controlling the amount of materials used, such as mortar, they help reduce waste.

For example, while a traditional bricklayer might use around 1.000 grams of mortar per brick, an automated robot uses just 455 grams, promoting efficiency and saving resources.

Additionally, some robots use innovative construction adhesives, which offer greater structural strength and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Impacts on project management

The introduction of robots in construction is changing the way projects are planned and managed. Schedules are becoming more accurate and easier to meet, while costs are becoming more predictable. This predictability is essential for companies looking to maximize their return on investment.

The future of construction

Automation in construction is just beginning. Emerging technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and artificial intelligence-based systems promise to further integrate robots into project planning and execution.

Although challenges persist, such as high initial costs and cultural resistance, the benefits in terms of productivity, sustainability and safety place automation at the heart of the sector's transformation.

Masonry robots, in particular, are redefining the way we build, paving the way for a more efficient and technologically advanced future.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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