A groundbreaking innovation in road painting has been introduced by RoadPrintz, a spin-off company from Case Western Reserve University. Traditional road marking processes can be dangerous and labor-intensive, but RoadPrintz’s mobile robotic pavement-marking system, developed by Professor Wyatt Newman and Sam Bell, is transforming the industry.
The technology utilizes a specialized truck equipped with a robotic arm that applies paint using computer-controlled brush strokes. Unlike traditional methods that rely on stencils, RoadPrintz’s vector-graphics approach allows for faster, cost-effective, and safer road markings. Workers no longer need to leave the truck, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries that have plagued the industry for years.
RoadPrintz has conducted successful beta testing in collaboration with the City of Cleveland over the past two years. They have painted various road markings, including turn arrows, bicycle symbols, school-zone markings, and “bus only” indicators. The system has also been used to paint handicap spots, parking lines, and crosswalks in Cleveland MetroParks locations, among other projects.
The development of RoadPrintz technology was made possible through the expertise of Professor Wyatt Newman in the field of robotics at Case Western Reserve University. The university’s Technology Transfer Office supported the project, leading to the creation of the spin-off company. As a result, RoadPrintz has already been awarded U.S. and E.U. patents for its innovative system.
In addition to support from the university, RoadPrintz has received funding from the National Science Foundation, the GLIDE fund at Lorain County Community College, the State of Ohio’s Technology Validation Startup Fund, and Case Technology Ventures. These investments have helped RoadPrintz bring their vision to fruition and demonstrate the impact of high-tech solutions on legacy industries.
RoadPrintz is now in the final stages of securing its first sale with a road painting contractor in Canada, further expanding the reach of their revolutionary technology. As they continue to refine and enhance their system, RoadPrintz is set to become a game-changer in the road marking industry, providing efficiency, safety, and cost savings for cities and contractors worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does RoadPrintz’s technology differ from traditional road marking methods?
RoadPrintz’s technology uses a robotic arm attached to a specialized truck to apply paint with computer-controlled brush strokes. Unlike traditional methods that rely on stencils, this approach allows for faster, cost-effective, and safer road markings.
2. What are the advantages of RoadPrintz’s system?
RoadPrintz’s system eliminates the need for workers to leave the truck, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. It also offers greater precision and flexibility in creating various road markings, such as turn arrows, school-zone markings, and bicycle symbols.
3. Where has RoadPrintz conducted testing of its technology?
RoadPrintz has conducted successful beta testing in collaboration with the City of Cleveland. They have painted various road markings in Cleveland, including turn arrows, bicycle symbols, and “bus only” indicators, as well as crosswalks in Gordon Square and handicap spots in Cleveland MetroParks locations.
4. What support has RoadPrintz received for its development?
RoadPrintz received support from Case Western Reserve University’s Technology Transfer Office, which helped secure funding from the Ohio Technology Validation and Start-up Fund. They have also received funding from the National Science Foundation, Lorain County Community College’s GLIDE fund, the State of Ohio’s Technology Validation Startup Fund, and Case Technology Ventures.