The Daily Blueprint Oct 20, 2025

Snapshot

FBR's Hadrian robot lays 285 blocks/hour, nPlan raises $16M Series B, Holcim acquires Xella, Canada launches modular housing program.

AEC Tech in Action

Hadrian robot lays 285 blocks per hour on Australian job sites: FBR Limited's truck-mounted Hadrian bricklaying robot laid over 285 blocks per hour in recent Australian tests, using dynamic stabilization and proprietary software to automate block placement with just a two-person crew. (energy-reporters.com)

New Innovations and Partnerships

New workflow combines CAD and robotics for masonry restoration: Research presents a scalable workflow integrating CAD and robotics for restoring historic masonry structures, validated through a case study in China. (nature.com)

Skylark Drones and Sensonic partner for rail tech integration: Skylark Drones and Sensonic have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on integrating drone technology and sensing solutions for rail infrastructure. (ptinews.com)

Army Corps and Navy Engineers detail construction technologies to Congress: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NAVFAC presented advancements in 3D printing and materials at Congress, highlighting improved military infrastructure efficiency. (3dprintingindustry.com)

Funding Rounds and M&A Activity

Holcim: Holcim signed a binding agreement to acquire Xella, a European leader in sustainable walling systems with premium brands including Ytong and Silka, strengthening its position in the attractive walling market as part of its NextGen Growth 2030 strategy. (holcim.com)

nPlan: London-based nPlan closed a $16M Series B led by CapHorn, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Suffolk Technologies to expand its AI platform that forecasts project delays and cost overruns across $500B in active capital projects. (uktechnews.com)

Policy & Regulation Updates

North America

Build Canada Homes launches modular rollout at Toronto Downsview site: The federal government's Build Canada Homes begins delivering 540 factory-built homes at Toronto's Downsview Park as part of a CAD $13 billion program targeting 4,000 modular units across six cities, with plans to scale to 45,000 homes on public land. (builtoffsite.au)

Opinions

Humanoid robots may impact construction workflows: A McKinsey report outlines potential applications of humanoid robots in construction, emphasizing improved efficiency and safety. (mckinsey.com)