As 3D printed buildings and structures continue to rise in popularity, other on-site robots are hoping to make a name for themselves as well. Long held to being indoors and in controlled environments, robots are now being designed by engineers to endure dynamic situations in the field, to deal with wind movement, bouncing, and other situations.
Construction Robotics has been working on their Semi-Automated Mason (SAM) since 2007 and, after years of testing and development, finally made its on-site debut on a New York construction site in 2013. SAM is designed to work alongside a human mason and, once loaded with bricks, will mortar and place each brick in the correct pattern, one by one, based upon the program loaded into it. The mason will then work behind the robot to tool the joints and touch up any deficiencies.
Thanks to SAM’s on board sensors, the robot can adapt to the movement on site to accurately place each brick every time. Many safety features are also built into the system to detect changes in environment and prevent human injury. As with most construction robotics, the creators of SAM claim that the use of their robot will create a job savings of over 30%. The robot also boasts an incredible production rate of over 1,000 bricks per 8 hour period with the help of 1 mason and 1 tender.
Construction Robotics won the World of Concrete’s 2015 Most Innovative Product Award.
The video below shows you the full process of getting SAM on site, set up, and laying bricks:
The SAM 100 | Construction Robotics
