WallBot
Construction robotics system for automated masonry construction
| Funding: | ESF Plus – STEM Workforce Program in the Free State of Saxony (InnoTeam) |
| Grant Reference Number: | |
| Partner: | |
| Duration: | November 2023 – October 2026 |
| Contact: | Christian Richter |
While robots are increasingly replacing human labor in many industrial sectors as well as in the service industry, the use of robot-assisted manufacturing systems in the construction industry has so far been very limited. Building construction, in particular, is characterized by a high proportion of manual and skilled trades work. Rising labor costs and a shortage of skilled workers are among the main reasons for steadily increasing construction costs, as well as delays in the construction process.
One of the hardest positions to fill in the construction industry is that of a bricklayer. The already prevalent shortage of skilled workers will intensify further in the coming years due to demographic change. For the construction companies affected, this is creating increasing pressure to automate their work processes and reduce the workload on workers. The biggest problem here is the lack of market-ready, technical solutions for automated masonry work.
The WallBot project therefore aims to develop a practical construction robot for the automated construction of masonry using standard bricks and masonry units made of materials such as aerated concrete, clay, sand-lime brick, lightweight concrete, or hybrids. A holistic approach is being pursued, which involves automating the steps of measuring, cutting to size, applying thin-bed mortar, and laying the blocks, including quality control. This is expected to reduce the required construction time by more than 40% and cut the necessary labor input and labor costs by up to 80%. In addition to ensuring consistent quality at high production rates, the planned solution is also intended to relieve workers of tasks that are harmful in the long term.
By 2026, a prototype of the system suitable for use on construction sites is to be developed and tested under realistic operating conditions. At the conclusion of the research project, the first structure will be constructed automatically using the robot. Furthermore, the project aims to help train an interdisciplinary team of specialists who will focus on the development of innovative construction robotics systems in Saxony in the future.