In recent years, we have witnessed technology completely change the world around us and lead to new discoveries in every industry of the world. A San Francisco startup aimed to do just that, creating a device to change the future of construction forever. Canvas, founded in 2017, has created a robotic drywall machine consisting of a 17-foot-high scissor lift and a robotic arm. 

Completely computer generated, the machine is given the exact wall dimensions and is able to apply tape, mix the mud, spray, and hold the nozzle to complete a drywall project. It is operated by humans yet cuts a week-long project into just two days, saving precious time and money for the parties involved. 

Another important benefit of the invention is the safety of construction workers. The robot aided in three main areas of safety:

1. Since the lift and arm are able to do the spraying automatically, there is no need for manual workers to be up 17 feet in the air on a site, therefore eliminating the biggest injury risk involved in the construction process.
2. The use of the robot also resulted in 99.9% dust recapture, creating a safer work environment especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. One in four drywall finishing and framing workers experience the effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorder, the highest rate among construction trades. By using the robot, this health risk may be eliminated on job sites.

The goal of Canvas is not to sell their company as a drywall robot subcontractor. The company instead aims to produce career opportunities for union workers, hiring and training them for subcontracting projects using the robotic equipment. By doing this, Canvas is creating career opportunities for new communities while making the construction industry safer for everyone involved.  

Industry innovators continue to go above and beyond the limits of today’s technology, continuously changing what we are capable of achieving. Jerdon Enterprises, L.P. has over three decades of engineering and construction experience to provide the best results for your project. View our portfolio to check out projects we’ve been involved in, as well as our services to see what we can do for you. Have a question regarding employment opportunities, contact us today!