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Next generation bricklaying Hadrian X robot completes first outdoor test build.
The Australian-developed Hadrian X bricklaying robot can now construct walls equivalent to a quarter of a tennis court in a single hour. The robot, designed by Fastbrick Robotics, now known as FBR, utilises a 32-metre boom arm and has the capability to lay up to 300 large masonry blocks per hour. (main pic: FBR’s next iteration of their bricklaying robot sets a new speed record.)
Originally introduced as a prototype in 2015, the robot could lay bricks for a standard house within two days, a rate purported to be 20 times faster than human bricklayers.
Earlier this month, FBR launched the commercial version of the Hadrian X bricklaying system. In recent tests, it consistently achieved over 300 American-standard masonry blocks per hour. With its largest blocks weighing 45 kg and measuring 600 x 400 x 300 mm, projections indicate that the robot can construct around 70 square metres of vertical wall every hour. FBR suggests future iterations may reach up to 500 blocks per hour.
On-site, the Hadrian X is tablet-operated, laying bricks based on a CAD design. Workers load masonry blocks onto the robot’s truck, where ‘dehacker’ robots process and potentially resize them. These bricks are subsequently transported via the boom arm, coated with a special adhesive, and placed in position. These are securely set within 45 minutes.
Watch it in action
The robot’s telescoping boom arm allows for construction up to three storeys directly from the ground. It can operate continuously and is designed to function in most weather conditions.
FBR’s initial outdoor test highlighted some brick placement issues. However, as this was a preliminary test, refinements are expected. FBR is currently producing additional robots and plans to expand operations to the USA.
