ENGINEERING TECH, CONSTRUCTION
Canvas | March 17, 2023
Hilti announces a strategic partnership with Canvas, a construction robotics company that has developed a robotic drywalling solution aiming to empower people to build in bold new ways.
The partnership marks the beginning of a significant new step in robotics innovation after Hilti had launched the Jaibot, the world’s first semi-autonomous ceiling drilling robot in 2020. This collaboration brings together leaders in intelligent jobsite robotics who share a common vision: that robotic tools will unlock vastly untapped potential and drive a new era of productivity and safety for skilled trade workers.
Canvas, headquartered in San Francisco and founded in 2017 by veterans of Boston Dynamics, MIT and Stanford, leverages advances in collaborative robotics and machine learning to build a new class of tools for skilled tradespeople that harness the power of AI and machine learning. To date, Canvas has focused on drywall finishing which, studies have shown, has among the highest prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder cases, with as many as one in four workers experiencing such effects.
Canvas’ robot can apply both level 5 and level 4 drywall finishes in a fraction of the time, and at a higher level of safety and reliability, compared to similar traditional methods. In contrast to manual application, the robot applies a single consistent layer of joint compound over wet tape and telescopes to 15.5 feet to do the vast majority of the work at height. It reduces repetitive motion injuries and captures 99.9% of the dust produced by sanding.
As part of the partnership, Hilti will assume the manufacturing responsibilities for future Canvas systems based on the proven Jaibot platform, giving Canvas a reliable and scalable global supply to meet the huge demand for its finishing robots.
“At Hilti, our purpose is making construction better. We do this by focusing our resources on innovative hardware, software and services that help to increase contractor productivity, worker health & safety, and sustainability,” said Thomas Hillbrand, Member of Hilti’s Executive Board. “Our shared values bring Hilti and Canvas together—and we’re excited to support Canvas in reimagining better ways of working through the power of robotics and AI.”
“It’s extremely validating that the demand for our drywall finishing robot quickly outstretched our capacity to produce this year,” says Canvas’ CEO, Kevin Albert. “Contractors continue to struggle with rising costs and labor shortages. The demand we see is testament to the critical need for new tools in the industry to address these challenges and empower our skilled workforce. We’re excited to announce this partnership which continues to push the boundary of what is possible and positions Canvas to meet current and future demand for our machines globally.”
The Canvas-Hilti partnership positions the construction robotics company to scale globally in an industry that is ripe for change. The partnership will enable Canvas to help the drywall industry solve its chronic and growing labor problem, while also making the job site cleaner, safer and less strenuous for the people doing the work.
About Canvas
Canvas is a construction robotics company whose mission is to enable people to build in bold new ways. The Canvas system provides a flexible approach to drywall finishing, combining the skills and expertise of trained workers with technology that, together, enable drywall finishing work to be done better, faster, safer, and more consistently. Canvas has been recognized by Forbes and Fortune on their top AI and start-up lists, respectively, and recently won the Pro Tools Innovation Award for Technology/Robotics.
About Hilti Group
The Hilti Group supplies the worldwide construction and energy industries with technologically leading products, systems, software and services. With about 32,000 team members in over 120 countries, the company stands for direct customer relationships, quality and innovation. Hilti generated annual sales of more than CHF 6.3 billion in 2022. The headquarters of the Hilti Group have been located in Schaan, Liechtenstein, since its founding in 1941. The company is privately owned by the Martin Hilti Family Trust, which ensures its long-term continuity. The Hilti Group’s strategic orientation is based on a caring and performance-oriented culture and the goals of creating enthusiastic customers and building a better future.
Read More
CONSTRUCTION
Core & Main | February 20, 2023
Core & Main Inc. has agreed to purchase all the assets of Landscape & Construction Supplies, a geosynthetics product and full-service provider with two locations in the Chicago metro area substantially. Core & Main is a leading distributor of specialized water, wastewater, fire protection products, storm drainage, and associated services.
Steve LeClair, CEO of Core & Main, "Landscape & Construction Supplies has been a trusted name in the geosynthetics space for nearly 20 years. Having them as part of Core & Main will enhance our ability to provide customers with superior products and timely service."
(Source – Businesswire)
Landscape & Construction Supplies, operating since 2004, has established itself as a reputable producer of silt fences and a dependable supplier of erosion control products, geosynthetics, and drainage materials. The company provides quality services and products to customers in over 15 states.
Brad Cowles, President of Core & Main, stated, "Landscape & Construction Supplies is an exceptional geosynthetics company with a well-developed production operation." He added, "This acquisition is a great addition to our existing business, and we look forward to welcoming the team to the Core & Main family."
(Source - Businesswire)
About Core & Main
Core & Main is a major player in the distribution of waterworks, fire protection, storm drainage products, and related services. The company offers a wide range of high-quality products to municipal, industrial, and residential customers across the United States. With over 280 locations in 47 states and a workforce of more than 3,700 workers, Core & Main deeply understands local markets and has a strong presence throughout the country. In addition to its broad range of products, the company provides value-added services such as fabrication, design, and technical support to help customers achieve their goals. Core & Main is committed to sustainability and focuses on safety and environmental stewardship.
Read More
CONSTRUCTION
Globenewswire | March 29, 2023
In a recent announcement from DIRTT, a global leader in industrialized construction, the company highlighted the expansion of six and addition of three new DIRTT Construction Partners to its network. Expanded and new partners will serve clients throughout Northern California; Iowa; Denver, Colorado; Southern Illinois; Edmonton, Alberta; Alabama; Austin, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; and Mexico in addition to DIRTT’s extensive existing network.
DIRTT connects with its clients through an international network of DIRTT Construction Partners to ensure the effective management and execution of the DIRTT scope on every project from pre-construction through order, installation, and beyond. Long term, DIRTT’s partners support clients with reconfigurations, adaptations, and adjustments, continuously protecting their investment in DIRTT, while helping to keep their spaces relevant to their unique needs for years or decades to come.
Benjamin Urban, CEO, commented, “DIRTT’s construction partners are our vital link to the unique requirements of every construction market. Our teams at DIRTT remain heavily focused on strengthening trust and credibility with our construction partners and clients. I’m pleased to see the results of these efforts taking shape as our partners expand their commitment and investment in DIRTT, realizing the value DIRTT brings to their clients. Through ongoing collaboration with our expanding partner teams, we are increasing our competitive advantage in both innovation and efficiency. This alignment continues to drive a healthier project pipeline as we look forward to the balance of 2023.”
About DIRTT
DIRTT is a global leader in industrialized construction. Its system of physical products and digital tools empowers organizations, together with construction and design leaders, to build high-performing, adaptable, interior environments. Operating in the workplace, healthcare, education, and public sector markets, DIRTT’s system provides total design freedom and greater certainty in cost, schedule, and outcomes. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, DIRTT trades on Nasdaq under the symbol “DRTT” and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “DRT”.
Read More