BRIX: an autonomous system for brick wall construction

Abstract

A major challenge within construction robotics lies in deploying robots for building tasks directly on construction sites. Recent years have seen a surge in innovative solutions, particularly focused on creating mechanical bricklayer to automate wall construction as much as possible. However, most of these solutions involve the use of heavy industrial robots and complex systems that are difficult to calibrate and program. In this paper, the authors introduce a prototype of an automated, lightweight system for brick wall construction that is straightforward to calibrate and program. To validate the proposed approach, a full-scale demonstrator along with its control logic is presented. Experimental results, displayed at a prominent industry expo, demonstrate the viability of the proposed system. Additionally, the system was evaluated using the Construction Automation and Robotics for Sustainability Assessment Method (CARSAM), which provides a structured approach to examine the environmental, social, technological, and economic dimensions of sustainability in the context of advanced construction technologies. By applying this method, stakeholders can better understand the broader implications of integrating such technologies into construction practices, guiding more informed decisions towards sustainable development.