Robot 'Walter' aims to solve UK construction labor shortage

A Czech-developed robot named Walter is emerging as a potential solution to the critical labor shortage plaguing the construction industry, especially in the United Kingdom. Walter, also known as WLTR, was publicly demonstrated at the FutureBuild fair in London on May 12, showcasing its automated bricklaying capabilities to industry professionals.

Developed by GreenBuild and utilized by JT Lifestyle Homes in the UK, Walter is designed to construct long, straight, and perfectly aligned walls for both industrial and residential projects. The company claims the robot can lay up to ten square meters of masonry per hour and reach heights of 3.5 meters. Walter operates at a consistent speed, capable of working day or night, regardless of weather conditions. Its precision is guided by a laser system and internal sensors that monitor wall alignment and other operator-defined parameters.

“

nobody is learning the trade

Walter utilizes specially grooved bricks that the robot can grip and place accurately. A key innovation is its use of adhesive instead of traditional mortar, a feature Jan Telensky, founder and CEO of JT Lifestyle Homes, highlighted as a way to reduce cement consumption and its significant carbon footprint. Currently, GreenBuild offers Walter through a rental model, complete with specialized operators for deployment on construction sites.

Telensky explained that the initiative to develop Walter stemmed from the aging workforce in the British construction sector, with the average age of bricklayers at 46 and a lack of new entrants learning the trade. He estimates Walter's output is equivalent to that of five bricklayers and a helper, all supervised by a single operator. The robot's ability to function autonomously in various environments and its efficiency are seen as crucial advantages in addressing the future construction needs.

“

it works with any