Startup World

The Okibo EG7 Robot is a plastering robot that operates alongside workers in a construction site.
| Source: OkiboOkibo last week announced the opening of its U.S.
headquarters in Englewood, N.J., and the official launch of its EG7 robot in the U.S.
market.
After establishing its American base in 2024, Okibo’s fully autonomous, AI-guided painting and drywall finishing robots are already active at major construction sites, having covered more than 1 million sq.
ft.
(92,903 sq.
m) in Europe.“In an industry rapidly adopting technologies to enhance safety and performance, Okibo robots require no setup or technical skills to operate,” stated Nadav Shuruk, co-founder and chief operating officer of Okibo.
“They reduce dust, improve air quality, and eliminate common physical injuries on site—robots don’t fall off ladders or suffer repetitive strain injuries.”The EG7 is a next-generation, battery-powered construction robot requiring zero site preparation, external references, or technical expertise to operate, according to the company.
Unlike systems that depend on external markers or building information modeling (BIM) tools, the robot uses a patented 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm for navigation and execution.Okibo claimed that the EG7 can finish an average of 1,000 sq.
ft.
(92.9 sq.
m) per hour, operating completely independently—no cords, pumps, or Wi-Fi required.Founded in 2018, Okibo designed its robots to enhance a skilled construction team’s efficiency, increase safety, and help address the labor shortage problem in construction.
The company, which also has offices in Tel Aviv, Israel, said its products require no tech skills or setup time.
They are fully independent, battery-operated units unconstrained by external equipment or cables, it added.Okibo hopes to tackle the construction labor crisisThe construction industry faces a looming labor crisis.
The National Center for Construction Education and Research projected that 41% of the workforce will retire by 2031.
Okibo asserted that it offers a critical solution.“Younger generations raised on technology expect safer, more efficient job sites,” noted Shuruk.
“Okibo helps firms meet those expectations.”The company listed key features of the EG7:Fully independent: No external pump, hose, cords, sensors, Wi-Fi/5G, or site prep is required, said Okibo.Compact and lightweight: The mobile manipulator weighs 800 lb.
(362.8 kg) and is 27 in.
(68.5 cm) wide, allowing it to fit through standard doorways and tight spaces.Modular design: The EG7 has a quick-detach manipulator and interchangeable components for various applications, such as a hopper and dust collector.Omnidirectional swerve drive: This provides high maneuverability in confined environments like residential, multifamily, and office projects.Standard club cart 5kWh batteries: These are reliable, long-lasting, and easily replaceable, the company saidCE-certified: The robot complies with multiple machine safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards.In addition, Okibo said its product uses a patented AI-guided 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm to guide the robot with zero preparations, measurement tools, special marking, or BIM tools.