The Robot Report Podcast One brick at a time: How Monumental uses robotics to build walls
Sep 11, 2026
Salar al Khafaji, CEO and founder of construction-tech company Monumental, reveals how a coordinated fleet of mobile robots lays bricks, applies mortar, and moves materials. He discusses selling “walls as a service,” using vision and BIM data on unpredictable sites, the rise of robot-wrangler careers, and plans to automate blockwork, insulation, roofing, and more.
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Modular Design Keeps Robot Iteration Fast
- Monumental standardizes its mobile platform while iterating end effectors at much higher speed.
- The mortar extruder reached its eighth generation, while the AGV platform reached its third.
The Hardest Part Is Mapping Reality
- Construction autonomy begins before deployment by converting BIM or CAD models into a simulated, mapped worksite.
- Vision reconciles imperfect plans with physical reality, especially when placing the first brick in open space.
Automation Advances One Construction Feature At A Time
- Monumental sells completed walls while gradually automating tasks and keeping operators for unfinished edge cases.
- The system progressed from straight walls to corners, reveals, pointing, and wall ties feature by feature.