The flooring industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled installers, a gap that has forced contractors to turn down work or scramble for qualified labor. Human Friendly Robotics aims to address this gap with a machine named Tyler, a robotic flooring installer designed to operate alongside human crews rather than replace them.
A Tool for the Crew
Human Friendly Robotics positions Tyler as a specialized piece of equipment rather than a substitute for human labor. The system handles repetitive placement tasks across the main field of a floor, leaving installers responsible for work that requires judgment, experience, and craftsmanship. The company says this distinction is critical, as automation can make installers uneasy in trades where skill has traditionally been measured by handwork.
Siddiqui stated that contractors are struggling to find qualified installers, not seeking to eliminate the workers they already have. The company designed the system so contractors do not need a robotics specialist on site. Crews can typically unload the system, position it in the work area, and complete setup in less than 30 minutes. An operator enters basic project information on an iPad, including material type and dimensions.
The process begins with the installer establishing the first row, which sets the layout, alignment, and squareness of the floor. Tyler then uses this installed material as its reference. Its vision system calculates where each tile or plank should go next, keeping critical layout decisions with the installer while the machine handles the repetitive placement that follows. Crews remain responsible for substrate preparation, material staging, cuts, edges, grout, and jobsite conditions that demand experience.
“Tyler is a tool that makes existing installers more productive while shifting their time toward the parts of the installation where skill and judgment matter most,” Siddiqui explained.
Predictable Production
Installing ceramic and stone presents unique challenges because the materials are rigid, heavy, and less forgiving of placement errors. Siddiqui noted that Tyler excels in this environment by controlling spacing, alignment, and orientation while handling products that can crack or chip. The robot can install about 1,000 square feet of stone or tile in a day, and with products such as LVT, output can reach roughly 1,500 square feet while maintaining that pace throughout a full shift.
The robotic portion of installation is designed to cost less than $2 per square foot, though actual costs depend on the material, labor market, and project conditions. Siddiqui noted that the skilled labor shortage is a primary driver of interest in the product, as flooring contractors regularly report having more work available than qualified installers to perform it.
The introduction of such technology complicates the automation debate. While robotics can help address a labor shortage, it also raises questions about the future of the people doing the work. Siddiqui said the company views robotics as a way to extend a skilled installer’s value rather than remove expertise from the process. “Our goal is not to remove expertise from the installation process. It is to give that expertise more leverage,” he said.
Capacity and Project Acceptance
Contractors often reject projects because they lack enough staff to complete them. Automation allows the same number of installers to finish more work. This capability enables contractors to pursue additional projects without adding workers at the same rate.
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