"The bricklaying robot is the future of masonry"

Ballast Nedam has a first, becoming the first builder in the Netherlands to brick with a robot. This marks a new phase. Able to work faster, more efficiently and more sustainably, the bricklaying robot offers many opportunities for the industry. The bricklaying robot was deployed on the Rotterdam low-energy project Tuinbuurt Vrijlandt, developed by Ballast Nedam Development and built by Ballast Nedam West.

The robot was developed by ROPAX. Ballast Nedam, Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling and Laudy Bouw & Ontwikkeling have been launching customers of the bricklaying robot since 2021.

Less physical load

The working conditions for the worker on the construction site improve significantly, as the robot reduces the workload and the physical heaviness of the work. "With the bricklaying robot as a colleague, I have less physically demanding work. At the end of the day, I go home less tired, which is incredibly pleasant," says Bas Meerwijk, bricklayer at Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling, who has spent many hours with the bricklaying robot.

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Innovation

Ballast Nedam invests in innovation and the use of the bricklaying robot turns the construction site into a modern production site. A collaboration between man and machine: the machine ensures higher production, while the bricklayer can continue to practice his or her craft.

The bricklaying robot does not replace craftsmen, but creates a cooperation on the construction site. With this robot, new houses can be built even faster, boosting the acceleration of the housing task.

More sustainable

It is a sustainable solution that prevents waste of raw materials. Mortar is applied very precisely and dosed: the robot uses 455 grams per brick where a traditional bricklayer uses 1,000 grams. The bricklaying robot also produces up to 70% less stone waste.

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