For three days in July, instructors from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Glaziers embraced change. Around two dozen trainers traveled from shops nationwide on July 29-31, 2025, to attend three days of robotics training at IUPAT District Council 21 in Philadelphia.
The event was in partnership with Raise Robotics, a construction technology company that develops and deploys robotic systems for onsite construction tasks, focusing on high-precision fastening and facade installation. During the event, Raise Robotics officials taught IUPAT instructors how to operate and deploy the company’s system.
Embracing New Technology in a Traditional Trade
The event was significant for a trade that traditionally relies on well-established methods. The United States construction industry adheres to tried-and-true methods for fear of job loss, high upfront costs and confusion surrounding return on investment. However, change always comes, whether it be the adoption of the automobile, drones, augmented reality, automation, building information modeling software and other emerging technologies.
“Technology is always coming out in the industry,” says Matt Fox, IUPAT’s glazier training specialist. “There’s a concern when a new technology enters any workforce of reducing employees. There is always that concern. It has happened since the late 1800s when technology started coming in … But at the same time, technology will always be here; we cannot ignore it. We want to adapt to it because there is still a human element. There’s someone who is in control of the machine.”
Inside Raise Robotics’ System
For Raise Robotics, change involves a robotic system that improves the lives of glaziers and enhances accuracy. Its robotic systems handle dangerous tasks, such as installing facade brackets and performing layout work on concrete slabs, often in edge-of-slab conditions. The robots can also perform tasks such as drilling and inspection.
Several Raise Robotics officials, including co-founder and chief operating officer Conley Oster and field engineer Kenrick Tjandra, sat down with the IUPAT instructors and taught them how to operate the system for layout marking. The course bounced between classroom sessions and hands-on training to learn how to set up, calibrate and operate Raise Robotics’ platform.
“I was surprised by the reception,” says Oster. “I think five years ago, there would have been a different perception of the new technology, especially robotics. There is an inherent fear that comes with robotics, that it will replace jobs. However, we have succeeded in proving that what we hope to accomplish is not to replace people, but to improve people’s lives. If you can do something better that works with your current process, why wouldn’t you integrate it, maintain safety and improve quality? Ultimately, you win more work.”
Oster and his staff taught the IUPAT trainers how to use Trimble RTS with Raise Robotics’ platform to automate layout workflows on commercial projects. Day one included sessions on how to set up and operate Trimble RTS, while day two featured classes on how to process digital drawings, load work points and operate the robotic system. For the final day, Raise Robotics officials taught the instructors how to execute layout marking, capture production data and complete hands-on certification testing. The instructors earned certification to operate the robotics system for layouts.
Improving Safety and Reducing Physical Strain
Angel Galloza, glazing coordinator at District Council 11, Local 1274, says he welcomed the training, explaining that Raise Robotics’ system is another tool in the glazier’s arsenal. He adds that staying ahead of the game and keeping up with the competition is vital for glaziers. Of course, the improved safety component of the system also cannot be overlooked.
“Falling is one of our biggest concerns in the glazing industry,” says Galloza. “[The robot] limits a lot of that threat.”
Raise Robotics’ system improves safety by minimizing edge work. Glaziers often work at the edge of tall buildings to install glass panels and their fasteners. The system automates the installation of these fasteners, decreasing fall risk. A single person can operate the system from inside the safety handrails of a building, rather than having multiple workers working on the edges.
“[The system] also limits the amount of time a person spends on their knees and using their back and arms,” says Galloza. “So, physically, a newer glazier with 20 or 30 years left in their career will want to use the system and understand that it takes more brainpower than physical demands. Many of us who have been in the industry and experienced the physical demands feel the pain now.”
However, a sizeable number of glaziers won’t fully leverage the robotic system in its current form. Galloza says Raise Robotics’ system will apply to larger cities with taller buildings, but it is not necessary for glaziers in smaller towns. For contractors, the system will offer fewer headaches.
“From a contractor’s perspective, this will save money on labor, workers’ compensation claims and other employee-related costs,” adds Galloza. “Employees should recognize that while contractors gain financial savings, the workers benefit from reduced physical strain.”
Proven Benefits in the Field
According to Raise Robotics officials, the recent St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital medical center project in Memphis displayed the benefits of robotics. Raise Robotics automated the building’s curtainwall layout for more than 10,000 glass panels, achieving precision within 1/16-inch and saving an estimated 830 labor hours. Morgan Patnode, superintendent at JR Butler Inc., a full-service glass and glazing contractor, says financial data showed that Raise Robotics’ robot was cost effective.
“When we crunched the numbers, the robot beat our budget,” says Patnode. “Their price was less expensive than we could do it, and the accuracy eliminated the rework plaguing our manual approach.”
The project was a win for Oster and Raise Robotics, which currently relies on seed funding and investments to develop the technology. The startup is finding its footing and looking to transition from a full-service provider to training and deploying its technology without the need for constant oversight.
“Our ideal world in five to 10 years, our business model is end-to-end,” says Oster. “As soon as a structure goes up, we have a robot onsite. We’re also starting to get into additional scopes of work, adding new tools, ultimately expanding the usability and utilization rates.”