Canvas

Canvas is a construction robotics company that manufactures a drywall finishing robot by merging hardware, AI, lidar/3D technologies, and machine learning. The machine’s robotic arm applies finely-calibrated layers of joint compound to a wall; another end-effector on the arm allows it to sand the wall while a vacuum captures 99.9% of the dust produced by the sanding. Thanks to a telescoping mast, the robot can work at heights of up to 15.5 feet. Canvas’ robots collaborate with workers through visual sensors and laser-scanning systems, which allow them to understand the geometry of a space.

Workers communicate with the Canvas robot through a tablet, which is integral to the subscription Canvas offers. Customers get access to the hardware itself—a mobile base and robot arm, various end-effectors, and AI-enabled sensing modalities, all leased at a monthly fixed rate—as well as the devices through which to communicate with them.

“The leasing model allows us to partner with construction firms and deliver them return on their investment immediately,” says Kevin Albert, founder and CEO. “And it allows us to continuously update their system with the latest software and features, ensuring our customers are producing consistent high-quality Level 4 and Level 5 finish.”