Okibo announced its collaboration with Performance Contracting Inc. PCI is utilizing the provider’s drywall and painting robots on the Netflix House project in King of Prussia, Pa. Netflix House is a 100,000-square-foot experiential entertainment venue that will feature themed dining, retail shops, and immersive experiences tied to shows such as Stranger Things and Bridgerton. 

The robot successfully addressed several key challenges in the construction site’s finishing process. Foremost, workers experienced a significant reduction in physical burnout and fatigue among finish crews by eliminating the need for repetitive overhead work (no need for a lift or scaffold to perform work up to 12 feet). Secondly, PCI noted a five times increase in productivity for Level 4 and Level 5 sanding jobs, while consistently meeting quality standards. 

Photo: Okibo

“I used a traditional power sander in one of the largest rooms on this job, and it took me all day. I was physically exhausted. Then I used the Okibo robot in an identical room, and I didn't feel drained at all. I've come to really value this machine for what it is: it's saving my body. And with the company's focus on reducing ladder and scaffold use, it shows PCI cares about our long-term health and safety. I can definitely appreciate that outlook—preserving the labor force and minimizing injuries,” says Kevin Murphy, journeyman on the Netflix House project. 

Unlike systems that rely on external references, the robots operate nearly autonomously with the support of a skilled operator. The robots utilize a patented AI-guided 3-D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm to guide the robot with zero preparations, measurement tools, special marking, or BIM tools. In addition to being very effective in large rooms, the robots easily can be maneuvered into smaller, more confined spaces. 

Photo: Okibo

PCI and Okibo plan to extend their partnership for an upcoming data center construction project in Washington D.C. 

“We are proud to be building such a strong partnership with PCI, demonstrating the monetary and safety value of our drywall and sanding robotics. Okibo’s solutions empower skilled workers to perform their tasks more efficiently and safely,” says Nadav Shuruk, CEO, Okibo USA.