Robots are revolutionizing brick construction in Munich: precision for the future!

Robots are revolutionizing brick construction in Munich: precision for the future!

The construction industry is facing a decisive change that is characterized by innovative technologies and digital solutions. At the Technical University of Munich (TUM), researcher Julia Fleckenstein and trainees from the Munich Ebersberg Building Guild are working on a groundbreaking project to develop climate-optimized brick walls. A central player is a robot that is supposed to precisely construct the outer layer of a brick wall.

A total of 1,700 bricks are used to create the wall, with more than 200 bricks not placed exactly on top of each other. Nevertheless, the wall, which measures around 4 by 2.50 meters and is 55 centimeters thick, is optimized with a digital design configurator. This calculates the optimal brick position depending on the lighting conditions to reduce heat effects. The robot works with a digital twin that is integrated into the construction process. In addition, the robot arm is mounted on a mobile base that can move laterally and has a gripper for precise brick placement.

Cooperation between research and crafts

This project not only serves the practical application of state-of-the-art robotics, but also highlights the important collaboration between researchers and craftsmen. Markus Bruckner, trainer at the construction guild, emphasizes the robot's precision, which complements human skills. Three trainees actively worked on the project, including Dragan Stanojevic, who reported getting used to robot work initially.

The project is funded by the Bavarian Transformation and Research Foundation “Climate Active Envelopes” with the aim of making building easier and more sustainable. Brick construction is considered environmentally friendly and also offers the opportunity to conserve construction site resources. Weather-resistant clinker bricks or impregnated bricks are used on the outside and insulating bricks on the inside. The masonry pattern technique used, known as “Rat-Trap-Bond”, ensures effective shading.

Sustainability in construction

The project at TUM is part of a larger research component on digital transformation in construction. The aim is to develop climate-optimized facades, supported by robotics, to reduce the effects of climate change. Digital tools such as “Ladybug Tools” simulate the positions of the sun and optimize the brick positions so that up to 85% of the heat can be dissipated without additional technology. Thermographic measurements show temperature differences of up to 4.7°C.

At the same time, the Technical University of Braunschweig is working on the “Digital Construction Site” to promote future construction site and construction process infrastructures. This project addresses the need to free the construction industry from inefficient and environmentally harmful processes while at the same time promoting digitalization. The installation of 3D printing units to produce large components is an example of the challenges facing the industry.

In summary, the initiatives at both TUM and TU Braunschweig illustrate how technological innovations can revolutionize the construction industry. The aim is to attract young people to the construction trades by integrating new technologies to promote prospects for a sustainable trade. The message is clear: Robotics does not replace crafts, but expands and enriches them.