Australia has taken another step toward the future of automated construction. FBR Limited has announced the successful factory acceptance testing of its upgraded Hadrian bricklaying robot, marking a new milestone in robotics-driven building technology.
The Hadrian robot is a unique mobile construction system that redefines efficiency in bricklaying. Unlike most industrial robots confined to factory floors, Hadrian is mounted onto a cab-over-engine truck, allowing it to be easily transported between sites. This mobile setup makes it adaptable for various construction environments from residential projects and townhouses to commercial developments and childcare centers.
At the heart of its operation is proprietary software that automatically converts wall designs into precise block positions, streamlining the building process while minimizing material waste and manual handling. Adding to its versatility, Hadrian features dynamic stabilization technology, which automatically corrects for vibration and movement in real time. This means it can lay blocks with pinpoint accuracy even when operating outdoors in windy or uneven conditions.
FBR’s upgraded Hadrian robot boasts a reach of 105 feet (32 meters) and can handle blocks weighing up to 99 pounds (45 kilograms). The system supports blocks as large as 23?” x 15¾” x 11¾”, accommodating diverse design needs.
In its recent test, Hadrian built a 751-block structure at an effective rate of 285 blocks per hour, with potential to reach a peak output of 360 blocks per hour. The robot can be operated by just two people — one Hadrian operator and one telehandler operator significantly cutting down labor requirements.
The machine also demonstrates impressive resilience, capable of operating in winds up to 37.3 mph (60 km/h) and even in light rain. It uses a proprietary Fastbrick Adhesive as a bonding agent, replacing traditional mortar for faster, cleaner construction.
According to FBR, the Hadrian unit, priced at A$7.8 million (around US$5.09 million), is now available to select construction partners looking to integrate robotic solutions into large-scale building projects. The company describes it as “the world’s most advanced construction robot,” capable of boosting productivity, reducing waste, and delivering projects “with mechanical precision.”
FBR’s innovation arrives amid a surge of robotics integration across the global construction industry. From 3D-printing homes to automated surveying systems, robots are becoming key players in improving speed and precision on job sites.
For instance, Civ Robotics, a US-based firm, recently launched CivDot, a surveying robot capable of marking up to 3,000 points per day with 8mm accuracy, performing tasks up to eight times faster than traditional methods. Similarly, German researchers have developed robots designed for human-machine collaboration, where the robot maintains a digital twin of the wall being constructed integrating robotic logic directly into architectural design. These systems aim not to replace human craftsmanship but to enhance it through precision and consistency.
