Robotic Bricklayer

The revolutionary semi-automated mason (or SAM for short) is designed to increase productivity on the job by performing some of the more mundane chores (like large expanses of flat walls) while allowing their human counterparts to handle more intricate and detailed tasks (like squaring up corners and handling aesthetic details).

A variety of sensors measure inclines, angles, velocity and orientation to help the robot know exactly where a brick should be laid. A laser rigged between two poles at opposite ends of the workspace provides an anchor point for SAM, and moves up and down the wall as work progresses. Programmable algorithms give SAM the “smarts” to follow plans and even enable the robot to perform some detail work, such as bumping out selected bricks to create a design or textured surface.

And yes, SAM does increase productivity at the worksite. Whereas a single human mason can lay 300 to 500 bricks per day, SAM can lay 800 to 1200 bricks a day. But there are only three units currently available with a price tag of about $500,000 each, so unless you have a really big project to tackle, humans are still your best bet.