Usually, collaborative robots, known as cobots, are associated with manufacturing processes such as assembly, welding, machine tending, and palletizing. It’s within these domains that cobots have demonstrated their efficiency, ease of use, and capability to help manufacturers adapt swiftly to evolving conditions, including pandemics, product transitions, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages.
In a move that could transform drywall finishing applications, in May 2023, Canvas announced a strategic partnership with USG Group, the inventor of drywall, to align USG’s construction materials expertise with Canvas’ robotics know-how. Here the system, which includes a cobot from Universal Robots, is shown applying a drywall finish by spraying the surface.
However, cobots are no longer limited to just the manufacturing sector. Thanks to their compatibility with numerous third-party end-effectors and other peripheral tools, the small footprint, and their versatile nature, cobots are revolutionizing even the traditionally under-automated sectors like construction.
This shift is hardly surprising, as cobots are engineered to take over tasks that are dull, dirty, and dangerous, replacing them with automated solutions. It’s a particularly timely innovation, considering the construction industry is still heavily reliant on manual labor, which often involves ergonomic challenges. Consider overhead drilling, a standard construction activity that forces workers into uncomfortable postures, leading to potential occupational shoulder injuries and inconsistent results. It’s no wonder that finding labor for such demanding and repetitive tasks is becoming increasingly challenging.
An innovative solution to these issues is the Hilti Jaibot, a construction robot that employs cobot technology. This cordless robot, mounted on a mobile platform for easy maneuverability across the construction site, utilizes digital plans to mark and drill holes, catering to users with or without robotics experience. With an eight-hour operation period on a single charge, the Hilti Jaibot can increase productivity and quality of drilling tasks, while enhancing the working conditions for current laborers.
This revolutionary construction technology doesn’t stop at drilling tasks. In March, Hilti announced a strategic partnership with San Francisco-based company, Canvas, known for developing a cobot-powered drywalling solution. This solution incorporates AI and machine learning to tailor the system to each project’s specific needs and can apply both level 4 and level 5 (high-quality skim coat) drywall finishes.
This collaboration took a giant leap forward in May 2023 when Canvas entered into a strategic partnership with USG Group, the inventor of drywall. This synergy aims to combine USG’s construction materials expertise with Canvas’ robotics prowess, transforming drywall finishing applications in the process.
Another exciting development is the use of cobots in ceiling painting, a task that is both physically demanding and repetitious. Okibo’s “autonomous finishing robot” is a case in point, capable of handling ceiling painting, coating, plastering, drywall finishing, and other construction-related finishing tasks. What makes it even more appealing is its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results, regardless of the time of day.
These innovations indicate a promising future for cobots in sectors beyond traditional manufacturing. With their adaptability, efficiency, and versatility, cobots are poised to transform the construction industry, offering improved productivity, worker safety, and superior quality outcomes.
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Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach, author
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