Hilti enters partnership with robotics specialist

Hilti has entered into a strategic partnership with construction robotics firm Canvas that will see the company assume manufacturing responsibilities for future Canvas systems.

Canvas CEO Kevin Albert (left) and Hilti board member Thomas Hillbrand (right). (Photo: Canvas/Hilti)

Founded in 2017, San Francisco-based Canvas is the manufacturer of a drywall finishing robot that utilises artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and 3D technology to apply both level 5 and level 4 drywall finishes in a fraction of the time of conventional methods.

According to the company, the drywall solution improves safety by reducing repetitive motion injuries and capturing 99.9% of the dust produced by sanding.

In its role in the agreement, Hilti says it will use its semi-autonomous ceiling drilling robot Jailbot, which it launched in 2020, to supply a reliable and scalable global supply to meet demand for the Canvas robot.

Thomas Hillbrand, a member of Hilti’s executive board, said, “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.

“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.”

Kevin Albert, Canvas CEO, said, “It’s extremely validating that the demand for our drywall finishing robot quickly outstretched our capacity to produce this year.

“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.”

As well as its Jailbot drilling robot, Hilti has increased its investment in technology for construction in recent years. In 2021 the company acquired software specialist Fieldwire for an approximate US$300 million.