The bricklaying robot WLTR is the result of a successful transfer of academic research into practice. The machine was developed by the startup KM Robotics in collaboration with Wienerberger, with support from the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics. The project first gained significant attention in 2023, when its initial prototype was tested on several reference construction sites in the Czechia.

Today, there are already nine such robots in operation worldwide, with more in production. Last year, they built nearly 10,000 square meters of walls in the Czechia. The robot can lay bricks using either foam adhesive or thin-layer mortar, is controllable via a tablet, and offers a range of other technical improvements.

How Does the Robot Work? 

One or more robots arrive at the construction site, depending on the scope of work. The WLTR requires an electrical connection (or a battery storage unit, as currently used in England), a foundation slab, and a manually laid first row of bricks. The robot then positions itself about 1.5 meters away from the base, uses a laser to mark where the brick pallet should be placed, scans a QR code containing the wall blueprint, removes the protective film from the pallet, and starts building.

When Is the Robot Cost-Effective?

The robot is economically viable for projects with wall areas exceeding 700 m², such as industrial halls, retail spaces, office buildings, train stations, or sports facilities.

"In terms of speed, one robot can do the work of four to five bricklayers. Up to a height of 150 cm, human bricklayers are faster, but beyond that, the robot overtakes them. It also doesn’t need scaffolding—its arm can reach up to 3.5 meters," explains Jaromír Sadloň.

Czech Technology in the UK

The project in Thornley began on April 25 and will conclude on June 18. The residential houses will then be ready for sale. Notably, besides the robots, the Czechia has introduced an entirely new construction method to Britain—including a type of brick not commonly used there.

Source: w15.cz