Gerhard Drees

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Gerhard Drees is a foundational figure in construction robotics, best known for his pioneering work on the economic viability of automated masonry. His landmark 1991 paper, "Limits to Profitability of Automated Masonry," co-authored with Laukemper, Pritschow, and Dalacker, remains a cornerstone reference in the field, cited over 5 times for its rigorous analysis of the technical and financial constraints facing robotic bricklaying. Drees’s research critically examined not only production costs but also the saleability and market acceptance of automated construction technologies—a holistic perspective that set the stage for decades of subsequent work in building automation. By identifying the precise thresholds where automation becomes economically feasible, his contributions have guided both academic inquiry and industrial R&D in construction robotics. Though his citation count reflects a focused, high-impact niche, Drees’s work is essential reading for any researcher or student exploring the intersection of robotics, economics, and construction, as it provides the foundational cost-benefit framework that continues to shape the field today.