On 14 November 2024, an excursion and presentation of the WLTR brick-laying robot took place as part of Seminar "Seminar with field trips to construction sites, opens an external URL in a new window" (234.986). The event, organised by the Institute for Construction Management and Construction Economics at TU Wien in collaboration with Wienerberger Austria, opens an external URL in a new window, showcased new construction automation approaches.

A visit to Wienerberger

As part of the one-day excursion, the students gained an insight into the topic of robotics and automation at Wienerberger.

Cooperation as the Key to Innovation

Prof. Dr Roland Blab, Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, emphasised in his opening speech the importance of cooperation between academia and industry and the role of digitalisation in construction. Technological innovations such as the WLTR could help address challenges like skilled labour shortages and rising construction costs. Johann Marchner, Managing Director of Wienerberger Austria, stressed the relevance of such technologies. They are intended to accelerate construction processes, reduce workforce strain, and increase productivity – particularly in an industry under increasing pressure to provide more housing.

Bricks: Where Tradition Meets Modern Technology

Prof. Agathe Robisson, PhD, illuminated the versatility of bricks in her presentation. From historical applications to modern construction projects, it became clear how this material has evolved over the centuries. She also presented research on material ageing and sustainability.

Live Demonstration of the WLTR

The event's highlight was the WLTR robot, which constructed a demonstration wall on site. The robot can build up to 10 m² of brick surface per hour, equivalent to the daily output of an experienced bricklayer. Notable features include the specially developed gripper and algorithms that automate the laying process. Wienerberger has also adapted its brick portfolio to make products "robot-ready".

Outlook and Potential

The concluding discussion revealed that the WLTR's deployment is particularly beneficial for large-scale and repetitive construction projects, such as apartment buildings or industrial facilities. Currently, the robot is being used in the Czech Republic; additional models are expected to be available in Austria soon. The WLTR represents a step towards automation and digitalisation in construction. Meanwhile, research needs remain, particularly in the areas of sustainability, safety, and adaptation to individual construction projects.

Text: Oleksandr Melnyk