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CeilingsDrywallTechnology

Is Automation the Future of Drywall Finishing?

Now that automation is available, it is helping drywall contractors with part of their jobs, from automated cutting tools to robotics arms.

By Kevin Albert, Co-founder and CEO
Canvas_V171976 780 x 439.jpg
Photo courtesy of Canvas.
March 26, 2025

Canvas will be showcasing its 1200CX machine at BUILD25. The company, whose presence these last few years at the BUILD shows has been a great success, will have a bigger presence than previous years. Visitors will be able to see a live demo of the 1200CX so they can experience firsthand how robots help increase productivity while enhancing worker safety.

BUILD25 is the premier event for drywall finishing, according to Canvas, and always an incredible opportunity for the robotics company to showcase its solutions to the industry leaders that attend. The prior two events have been invaluable to the company according to them. Just a few years ago, Canvas was a novel idea and now it has evolved to be a viable solution for contractors, particularly those who are leveraging innovative technologies to drive their business forward.

Since last year’s event, Canvas has launched the 1200CX, its most compact machine to date with the highest reach in the world capable of L4 and L5 spray and sand. Featuring self-drive and all-wheel steer, all-day battery power, auto seam detection as well as built-in safety protocols, the 1200CX means faster drywall finishing, consistent high-quality output and safer work environment for contractors.

“We are thrilled to be back at AWCI’s annual event! The event is always a great opportunity for Canvas to meet with industry leaders and innovators. This year’s event is especially exciting for us as we will be showcasing our 1200CX machine. We encourage everyone to stop by our booth to see for themselves how the machine can help boost drywall productivity while promoting a safer work environment,” said Kevin Albert, CEO of Canvas.

Automated drywall processes benefit projects in several key ways. For instance, they can increase overall project efficiency and productivity, minimizing the risk of human error. The lack of errors and subsequent rework also cut down on costs and maximize return on investment. Teams can also complete projects on time more effectively with efficient systems performing layouts and other tasks.

If you are worried about automation phasing out human workers, this simply is not the case, said Albert. In the long-term, automation in construction can attract and retain talent, as it leads to the need for more skilled labor that can work with the various systems. Workers will also be happier and more productive if the solutions they use help them do their jobs even better.

Important Automation Advancements

Various drywall automation trends continue to influence the future of the drywall industry. Robotic drywall systems, such as layout robots, robotic arms and cutting tools, can increase accuracy, efficiency and quality.

These tools can complete different stages of drywall installation, from initial layouts to final construction. In the process, they will streamline workflows while making work safer and more productive in the end.

Tools and Equipment

Some of the latest tools and equipment in drywall automation include cutting, layout and finishing solutions. These and other drywall automation and robotics technology advancements will continue to optimize drywall projects, ensuring their completion in a timely, efficient, safe and effective manner.

For example, in 2022, Canvas released collaborative robot machines, including robotic arms, to simplify drywall layouts and installation using artificial intelligence and machine learning.


Visit Canvas at booth # 227.

KEYWORDS: automation AWCI (Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries) BUILD Expo canvas finishing robotics

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Kevin Albert is co-founder and CEO of Canvas, a construction technology company revolutionizing productivity by building an entirely new class of robotic machinery. With the only drywall robot that does a Level 4 finish, Canvas enables drywall subcontractors to gain a competitive edge in data center construction.

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  • Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI)

    AWCI represents nearly 2,400 companies and organizations in the acoustics systems, ceiling systems, drywall systems, exterior insulation and finish systems, fireproofing, insulation, prefabrication/panelization and stucco industries. Our members are contractors, suppliers and manufacturers and those in allied trades. Our mission is connecting people in the wall and ceiling industry to innovate, grow and succeed.
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