Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Right now, most bricklaying work is still done by people. However, new tools are starting to help with some tasks. For example, there are special machines (like the SAM “bricklaying robot”) that can pick up and place bricks with precise, AI-guided movements ^[1].

One study even found that a bricklaying robot could build walls about 84% faster than a human crew ^[2]. In planning, teams also use digital tools (like building-information modeling software) to check designs before work starts ^[3]. Despite this, many tasks remain manual: cutting bricks, mixing mortar, and smoothing joints are usually done with hand tools or simple machines.

In some research projects, people have used augmented-reality glasses to show masons exactly where each brick goes, helping with precision ^[4]. But broadly, automation in bricklaying is still limited: machines can assist with repetitive parts, but skilled masons are needed to handle tricky layouts and finish work.

Bricklaying robots and software are not yet common on every worksite. There are good reasons and challenges. High-tech machines are expensive (a single advanced robot can cost around \$500,000 ^[2]), so many contractors stick with tried-and-true methods if labor is available.

Also, building sites are unpredictable – each wall or building can be different – so robots can’t do everything on their own. Experts expect a “hybrid” approach: robots and drones might do heavy or repetitive tasks (like placing many bricks or surveying the site), while humans handle complex planning, adjustments, and quality work ^{[3] [1]}. The construction industry is facing a worker shortage, so some companies are investing in automation (recently a startup raised \$23 million to build more construction robots) ^[5].

In general, jobs in masonry are expected to grow slowly (about 2% by 2034 ^[6]), which means most work still needs people. This suggests human skills – problem solving, craftsmanship, and teamwork – remain very important. In the end, AI and robots will likely be tools that help brickmasons rather than replace them entirely, keeping the work safe, creative, and collaborative ^{[1] [3]}.