The construction of Auburn University’s Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center is getting help from robotics.

The SAM100 from Construction Robotics is being used to lay bricks on the new building. Sam, as the workers call ‘him’, can lay 3,000 bricks per day. Mason’s work alongside Sam to load bricks and mortar.

SAM, or Semi-Automated Mason, is operated through an iPad.

The performing arts center intends to be as innovative in use as it is in construction. Every room in the building will have a purpose from the lobby to the stage and auditorium. 

The Director of the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, Chris Heacox says the performances will benefit both the community and the students. While everyone will be able to enjoy a show or production, the students will gain first hand knowledge.

“Say for instance it’s a modern dance company,” says Heacox. “They might also do school shows performances in the morning for students and then also go into our dance classrooms and work with our dance students. Work in our health science sector and kinesiology around movement.”

The building is set to open in August 2019 and will be home to indoor and outdoor performances as well as the host to festivals and other public gatherings.