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The introduction of robots and automation technology to construction operations will require considerable efforts to understand the mechanics of the many tasks better as they relate to building structures. To control arms, grippers, nozzles, and other production devices automatically, the mechanics of tools as they interact and work with the different construction materials requires extensive knowledge. One approach to learn about the behavior of all the components of an automated system for construction is to build scaled prototypes that are able to handle the actual material. This paper describes the design of an automated masonry system for prefabricating brick panels. It discusses the conditions that affect the bond strength of the masonry. It then describes the design and development of a Cartesian robot actuator and scaled‐down mortar spreader system built to test the bond strengths and accuracy of robotically placed bricks. The actual fabrication of the partially functional prototype helped the res...

The introduction of automated machinery in construction creates many challenges to researchers, equipment manufacturers, and users alike. The flexibility of computers and computer‐controlled machines makes them valuable tools for research and development, allowing rapid and inexpensive prototyping of production systems. This paper discusses a control system for a prototype bricklaying robot, which is based on the real‐time integration of actuators and sensors. Economical issues and experimental testing of bond capacities lie outside the scope of the paper. The lessons learned from building and testing a scaled‐down system could be helpful to researchers new to the field of robotics in construction.