Few industries are as poised for disruption through automation as construction. With a yearly valuation of approximately $2 trillion in the U.S. alone, much of the work within this sector is labor-intensive, repetitive, and sometimes hazardous – precisely the type of challenges industrial robotics excel at addressing. Furthermore, the diversity of challenges within construction allows for numerous startups to enter the field without direct competition.
While bricklaying robots are not a novel concept, one notable player in the space is Hadrian X. This U.S.-based firm specializes in constructing structures using large concrete masonry blocks. In contrast, Amsterdam-based Monumental focuses on utilizing traditional red clay bricks.
Founded in 2021 by the duo behind the data visualization firm Silk (now a Palantir affiliate), Monumental has conducted limited pilots in the Netherlands, including adorning the exterior of an office building with a 15-meter facade. The startup has since formed partnerships with 25 contractors, including those involved in low-income housing projects.
While I cannot provide extensive insights into the system’s effectiveness beyond what is depicted in video demonstrations, it’s evident that Monumental is addressing the challenge from multiple angles. This includes employing an autonomous cart capable of carrying heavy loads and integrating another robot for spreading liquid mortar and laying bricks.
Salar al Khafaji, co-founder and CEO of Monumental, states, “At Monumental, we’re dedicated to assisting the industry in overcoming these challenges. Our agile, intelligent, and adaptable robots and software merge human expertise with robotic efficiency in a manner unprecedented in the industry.”
In celebration of its debut, Monumental has announced a substantial $25 million funding round, led by Plural and Hummingbird, with contributions from Northzone, Foundamental, and NP-Hard Ventures. This funding will be allocated towards expanding the team, scaling up manufacturing operations, and broadening the range of bricks and blocks that its robots can handle.
