GLOBAL BRICKLAYING ROBOT MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Market Size and Trends

Global bricklaying robot market is estimated to be valued at USD 122.7 Mn in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 311.2 Mn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% from 2024 to 2031. Growing construction industry and need to improve efficiency and safety on construction sites boosts adoption of bricklaying robots. Automation can alleviate labor shortages and reduce project timelines.

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Global bricklaying robot market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Traditional bricklaying is a labor intensive and time consuming process. Bricklaying robots address this by laying bricks much faster and with high precision as compared to manual labor. This increases productivity and allows construction of more complex designs that were not possible without automation. Various technologies like computer vision, path planning and grippers are being integrated to make bricklaying robots more intelligent and suitable for diverse construction needs.

Automation Reducing Labour Costs

The bricklaying process has traditionally relied heavily on human labour. Laying bricks is a time consuming and physically demanding task that requires skilled masons. However, with rising costs of labour across many industries, construction businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce operational expenses where possible. Automated bricklaying robots have the potential to significantly cut down on labour needs by taking over repetitive laying tasks. A single robot can work much faster than humans and lay bricks with precision and consistency. It does not require breaks or get tired like human workers. While upfront costs of robots may be high, in the long run these can replace multiple human workers and reduce wage bills. This makes robot bricklayers an attractive option for large commercial construction projects where saving on labour is a major priority. As labour shortages and costs continue their upward trend, demand is expected to grow for robotic solutions that provide a cheaper alternative to human masons.

For instance, FBR Ltd, a Perth based robotics company, has reprioritized the delivery of the Hadrian X construction robotic bricklaying solution to the U.S. due to the high demand for the technology. Following the delivery of the first of three order units, FBR’s second next-generation Hadrian X will be fitted to a U.S.-certified truck chassis and made available through a Wall as a Service (WaaS) entity in Florida. 

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Improving Productivity and Standards

Another major factor driving the global bricklaying robot market is the need for higher productivity and consistency in construction operations. Building high-rise structures and large infrastructure projects within strict timelines requires maximum efficiency at every stage. Robot masons have clear advantages over human workers in this regard. These can lay bricks at a much faster rate without compromising on quality standards. Robots eliminate issues like human errors, variability between workers, and delays caused by breaks or absenteeism. These guarantee uniformity in size, positioning and alignment of each brick automatically. This helps improve overall productivity, meet tight deadlines, and avoid costly mistakes or reworks during construction. Robotic technology also allows for more complex masonry patterns that may be difficult for humans to replicate precisely. Their use ensures buildings and structures are erected according to the highest productivity and quality benchmarks. This is appealing to builders focusing on optimisation, standardisation and large-scale development activities.

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Market Challenges: Resistance of Masons to Adopt New Technologies

One of the key challenges faced by the global bricklaying robot market is the resistance of masons to adopt new technologies. With generations of experience, masons are hesitant to replace their skills with machines. The unpredictability of construction sites also poses difficulties as robots have limitations in responding to unstructured or unstable environments. Cost remains a hurdle as bricklaying robots require advanced sensors and effectors for precise tasks. These can be slower than skilled human masons, reducing their appeal to contractors focused on timelines.  

Market Opportunities: Standardized Construction Methods and Off-Site Manufacturing

Standardized construction methods and off-site manufacturing are increasing the suitability of tasks for automation. Declining costs as technologies mature will make bricklaying robots economically viable.

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Insights, By Automation - Fully Autonomous segment contributes the highest share of the market owing to increased efficiency

Fully autonomous segment within the global bricklaying robot market is experiencing significant growth and is estimated to contribute market share of 61.3% in 2024 due to its ability to provide higher efficiency as compared to semi-autonomous robots. Fully autonomous bricklaying robots does not require any human assistance or intervention during the construction process, allowing them to work continuously without any delays. This enables them to lay bricks at a much faster rate compared to semi-autonomous robots which may experience down time when workers are unavailable to oversee or assist the robot. The time savings realized through full autonomy is a major driver for construction companies to adopt this technology as it allows them to complete projects ahead of schedule and take on additional projects. Fully autonomous robots are also more consistent in terms of quality of bricklaying since the process does not depend on human involvement. This has increased their acceptance especially for large, complex commercial construction sites where quality and speed of construction are top priorities. Advancing capabilities of AI, computer vision, sensors and other related technologies are also continuously enhancing the performance of fully autonomous robots, making them an attractive proposition for builders. Their ability to work efficiently in all weather conditions and terrain further strengthens the case for their adoption over semi-autonomous alternatives. Overall, the superior productivity and quality benefits offered by full automation is driving its high market share relative to other technology segments within the bricklaying robot industry. 

Insights, By Application: residential buildings contributes the highest share of the market due to labor shortage

Residential buildings segment is estimated to contribute market share of 41.1% in 2024 of the global market. One of the key drivers for robot adoption in residential construction is the growing shortage of human labor. Many developed markets around the world face an aging workforce as well as declining interest of younger populations in pursuing careers in construction. This is creating a severe shortage of bricklayers for residential projects where demand for housing continues to be strong. Bricklaying robots help address this problem by augmenting the limited workforce available. These provide a way for builders to cope with rising residential construction deadlines without being dependent on availability of human masons. In the current tight labor market conditions, robots present an attractive solution to ensure timely completion of residential projects. Their deployment also improves predictability of construction schedules for home builders. Overall, robots are enabling the residential construction industry to overcome the human resource challenge, which is a major factor driving the largest share of this segment in the bricklaying robot market.

Regional Insights

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North America has established itself as the dominant region in the bricklaying robot market. The region is estimated to account for 35.2% in 2024 of the global market, led by high demand from the U.S. Factors such as advanced construction technology adoption, presence of major robotics companies and skilled workforce have aided North America's leadership position. Several U.S based construction firms have integrated robotic solutions as part of their construction methodology to enhance productivity and meet large project deadlines. Cost savings achieved through robotic bricklaying has increased its popularity among commercial and housing contractors. North American robotics manufacturers have also increased investments in developing technologically advanced bricklaying robots specific to regional construction practices. With the U.S expected to undertake major infrastructure projects, demand for bricklaying robots is projected to rise further strengthening North America's stronghold.

The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for bricklaying robots globally. China dominates the regional as well as global bricklaying robot installations due to sustained high investments in public infrastructure and housing sectors over the past decade. Robotic technologies are increasingly adopted by Chinese constructors to address acute labour shortage issues. Countries like India and Japan are also witnessing increased utilization of bricklaying robots supported by government initiatives for smart urban development. Southeast Asian countries with rapid urbanisation present untapped opportunities for bricklaying robot suppliers. The availability of low cost labour initially restricted robotic adoption, however growing wages and shortage of skilled workforce are compelling factors for considering robotics. Local bricklaying robot manufacturers have benefitted from rising regional demand and continue expanding product offerings tailored to Asia Pacific construction demands.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In January 2023, FBR, a Australia-based robotics company, announced that it had completed mechanical assembly of its first next-generation Hadrian X bricklaying robotic system. The latest iteration of Hadrian X is designed to be able to lay bricks at speeds of up to 500 blocks per hour, equating to up to approximately 120 m2 of wall per hour. This has the potential to complete both the external and internal walls of a standard double brick house in a single day.
• On February 15, 2024, Monumental, a Netherlands-based robotics company, raised US$ 25 Million to upscale its new technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to autonomously drive bricklaying robots
• In August 2022, Husqvarna Construction, a manufacturer of construction machines, entered into a strategic partnership with AAB Tools, a leading industrial tools and equipment supplier. Husqvarna Construction's organic products were to be distributed by AAB Tools, including heavy-duty and high-frequency concrete coring machines, wall saws designed for brick and reinforced concrete, remote-controlled demolition robots, and twenty-plus models of handheld power cutters, dust extractors, and floor saws.
• In March 2023, FBR Ltd. announced a strategic agreement with M&G Investment Management, a U.K.-based shareholder, to fund the production and deployment of three additional next-generation Hadrian X robots for use in the U.S.

Market Segmentation

• Automation Insights (Revenue, USD MN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Fully Autonomous
  • Semi-Autonomous
•  Application Insights (Revenue, USD MN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Commercial Buildings
  • Residential Buildings
  • Public Infrastructure
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD MN, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • BROKK GLOBAL
  • Husqvarna
  • Komatsu Ltd.
  • Ekso Bionics
  • Fujita Corporation
  • Construction Robotics
  • FBR Ltd
  • Autonomous Solutions Inc.
  • Conjet
  • CYBERDYNE
  • Giant Hydraulic Tech
  • CyBe Construction

*Definition: The bricklaying robot market consists of robotic machines that can lay bricks automatically with precise positioning and uniform spacing and jointing. These robots use computer vision systems and advanced sensors to detect the location of bricks and mortar. These have multi-axis arms and end-effectors that can pick up bricks from a tray or conveyor belt and place them exactly where required on the foundation. Bricklaying robots can significantly increase construction productivity and help overcome labor shortages in the brick masonry industry.