Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Improve and enhance a device and method to extract ceramic tiles without damaging them
EPA Contract Number: 68HERC25C0027Title: Improve and enhance a device and method to extract ceramic tiles without damaging them
Investigators: Rodriguez, Mauricio R
Small Business: Nativo Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: December 16, 2024 through June 15, 2025
Project Amount: $100,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2025) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
This SBIR Phase I project advanced the development and field validation of the Xtractor, a patented device that removes ceramic and porcelain tiles without damage using vibration technology. The innovation enables clean, non-destructive tile removal, supporting cost-effective insurance repairs, sustainable deconstruction, and recycling. Originally motivated by challenges in homeowner insurance claims, the Xtractor allows for targeted spot repairs, avoiding full-floor replacements and the disputes common to aesthetic mismatches in flooring repairs. It also presents significant environmental and occupational health benefits by diverting construction material away from landfills and minimizing dust exposure to operators and homeowners.
We estimated the U.S. insurance market potential for the Xtractor to be 34,000 homeowner insurance claims annually, equating to $156.4 million at projected service costs. Based on a 2020 life cycle study by the Tile Council of North America, a full-scale deployment of the Xtractor in the insurance market could prevent over an estimated 53 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions each year by preserving tile materials. This mitigation is much higher if collateral damage reduction is included (Collateral damage is caused when replacing entire floors in an insurance claim: i.e. replacing kitchen cabinets, painting of home, others). Additional opportunities exist in green building (Deconstruction and reuse markets) and in markets different from insurance where intact flooring removal is essential and where market potential can more than double.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
During SBIR Phase I, we tested the Xtractor under 22 realistic tile installation conditions across three rounds of iterative evaluation. These conditions varied in tile type, setting materials, and bond quality. Results demonstrated consistent and effective performance, achieving over 90% success in tile harvesting without damage by the final round. These findings validated the feasibility of vibration technology for tile removal across real-world scenarios and informed design improvements for the Xtractor. Integrated sensor feedback provided valuable insight during testing, enabling us to monitor tile fracture onset and detect tile release. This supports the future potential for automated system operation. The process proved fast, dust-free, and ergonomic. Commercial Engagement and Market Validation We engaged three sectors: Insurance, Deconstruction/reuse, and Recycling. Various insurers expressed strong interest in the operational deployment of the Xtractor. City-level sustainability agencies in Oregon and California saw alignment with the technology and deconstruction and reuse ordinances. In addition, there are U.S. tile manufacturers that use recycled ceramics for their production. These engagements support two viable business models: a direct service model (approaching our current customers) plus a regional franchise model for market entry. We also engaged Foresight Science & Technology to refine IP strategy, identify investor targets, and position the technology for scale-up throughout the United States.
Conclusions:
Building on SBIR Phase I, the next phase will transition the Xtractor to a commercial-ready product. Planned developments include:
- Improving harvest success rate to 95%
- Safety features to protect adjacent tiles
- Vibrator mounts for thinner grout lines
- Lightweight, modular design for various tile sizes
- Expanded support for stone flooring
- Thermal imaging for non-destructive bond assessment
- IP strategy enhancement
- Pilot deployments and training
- Franchise and licensing pathways
With proven technical feasibility, strong stakeholder interest, and clear pathways to commercialization, the Xtractor is poised to deliver transformative impact across insurance, construction, and sustainability markets
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.