Automated construction machinery and method

Abstract

An automated block or brick construction apparatus is provided by adapting a base transport assembly with a specialized working platform for brick, block and mortar. The working platform houses at least one robotic arm to accurately position mortar and block or brick in place on a wall construction. The working platform is controlled by a 3-D stringless guidance system for positioning vertically, horizontally, and laterally. The robotic arms place and position a block or brick and stage the subsequent blocks or bricks for installation. A first robotic arm can apply mortar onto a wall while a second robotic arm places a concrete masonry unit accurately onto the mortar and also place blocks in position. Application and movement of mortar and blocks are controlled by a programmable central processing unit.

1 . A method of automating construction of a block wall comprising the steps:
 engaging a work platform upon a moving platform (MP) having powered wheels or treads for motion along a masonry construction area, adjusting the height above a construction area, supplying a CMU block supply in the form of hoppers, bins, pallets or the like, wherein the CMUs are stacked in orderly or random fashion, providing a mortar supply, handling mortar from a mixer, hose or other supply source and applying mortar via hose and nozzle by one or more robotic arms, whereby the same or different robotic arm will precisely place a brick or block in its intended position, thereafter positioning of the mortar and brick or block with a programmable controller using a central processing unit computer (CPU) capable of controlling and adjusting movement and speed of the platform, robotic arm(s), and height adjustments.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the CPU receives placement input from a laser guided optical sighting mechanism and provides movement instructions to all or portions of the construction apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a control operator provides manual override controls. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a single robotic arm applies mortar, receives and places a brick or block, trims excess mortar as necessary and then repeats the process. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein additional robotic arms duplicate work operations in a series of steps. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising a trowel-like mechanism to trim and adjust the mortar.