So far, Fastbrick has yet to build a full house. The best it’s managed is a mini-structure within its workshop. But the company is in the process of of being acquired by a real estate group, and Pavic hopes to complete a commercial machine and start building properly next year. He claims that Hadrian won’t be a job-killer, at least in Western Australia where there’s a shortage of human brickies. “We have a low number of bricklayers operating in Australia. If brick manufacturers and builders are going to continue using bricks, they have to contemplate using new ways of laying bricks, and automation is the clear favorite for that,” he says. As Pavic sees it, at least one trained bricklayer will be needed on-site to ensure proper placement of lintels and brick ties. And bricklayers may be able to work longer, because there won’t be so much heavy lifting (or really any lifting at all). “We hope to extend the careers of bricklayers not put them out of work,” he says. Also the machine, which has a 90-foot arm, could clear construction sites of scaffolding, mixers and other equipment, making it safer for humans to work there, he adds.
Watch Out Bricklayers, This Robot Is Coming For Your Job | Co.Exist | ideas + impact