Construction robotics start-up Canvas has announced its Innovation Partner Program, a collaborative partnership with six contractors to train workers to operate its machine.
Canvas said drywall finishing tools have remained unchanged for the better part of a century, its new worker-controlled robotic machine is designed to enable contractors to make drywall finishing safer and more attractive to a shrinking pool of skilled labour. The system is also built to improve metrics for schedule, cost, quality, and safety.
The Canvas system automates two of the drywall finishing process: mudding and sanding. After completing training, Canvas certified finishers can complete a project in less time, while producing predictably high-quality finishes.
Additionally, the machine minimises and sometimes even eliminates the harsh working conditions that deter new workers from pursuing the trade and can cause others to leave the industry early. The Canvas system improves worker air quality by capturing 99.9% of the dust produced in the sanding phase while eliminates mess. It also works to eliminates musculoskeletal injuries by taking on the heavy lifting of machine sanding and reduces the opportunity for falls by enabling workers to tackle riskier elevated work from ground level.
With growing demand for the new system, Canvas has qualified a select group of certified partners whose crews will be trained by Canvas to operate the machines independently.
It includes three self-perform general contractors: Webcor, DPR Construction and Swinerton; and three interior/exterior wall system contractors: Nevell Group, KHS&S and Daley’s Drywall & Taping.
According to Canvas, all of its innovation partners are highly technical builders moving the industry forward by embracing innovations that radically improve project outcomes.
“We invest heavily in our thousands of craft workers, including our drywall crews,” said Jack Poindexter, northwest self-perform work group leader at DPR Construction. “We’re excited to partner with Canvas to create a safer work environment for our tradespeople, while providing them with a valuable new technology skill. This collaboration between workers and intelligent machines can infuse new energy into the trade.”
