Innovating Construction: Canvas Shapes the Next Era of Automation
Canvas is making waves in the construction industry by introducing robotics that not only enhance efficiency but could also reshape the future of building sites. With its leaders like Regis Vincent at the helm, the company is navigating both the challenges and opportunities that come with developing cutting-edge technology.
In Episode 38 of The Machine Minds Show, titled “Transforming The Way We Build,” Samson Rose founder Greg Toroosian sits down with Regis Vincent, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Canvas, to explore the evolution of robotics, its future in automation, and the challenges the industry faces in achieving large-scale impact.
Canvas: Pioneering the Future of Construction
Automation and robotics are now reshaping the construction sector in an industry that is traditionally slow to change. At the forefront of this transformation is Canvas, a company revolutionizing how construction sites operate by introducing robotic solutions that take labor-intensive tasks to new levels of efficiency. *
Regis, with over two decades of experience in robotics, offers insights into how the industry has evolved from its early days and where it is heading next. His expertise spans a time when companies across various sectors experimented with robots long before it became a mainstream concept.
"We were talking about AI and computer vision back in '81, '82... Everyone was building robots then, but it went very quiet." as Regis mentions. His reflection serves as a reminder that the technological advancements we see today stem from decades of incremental progress, often outside of the public eye.
The Holy Grail of Robotics: When Robots Become Invisible
One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion was Regis’s perspective on the ultimate goal of robotics in everyday life. He refers to the idea of robots becoming so integrated into our daily routines that they are no longer perceived as robots but as simple tools or appliances. He notes that many people do not realize how much automation already plays a role in their lives, from Amazon warehouses to food preparation services.
“You’ve reached the Holy Grail of robotics when people look at your robot and say, ‘Oh no, that’s an appliance,’” he says. It is when robots are so intuitive and user-friendly that they become invisible, just another part of the fabric of everyday life. Regis shares his excitement about how this is already happening in some sectors, and how Canvas is working toward making this a reality in construction.
Challenges: The High Costs of Innovation
Despite the impressive strides in robotics, significant hurdles remain, especially around cost.
"Our robot is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination," Regis admits, highlighting the challenge of making advanced robotic systems cost-effective.
For Canvas, which specializes in robotics for construction, the components—such as sensors and powerful NVIDIA processors—can drive costs up significantly. As the volume of production remains relatively low, the economies of scale have not yet kicked in, making widespread adoption difficult.
This echoes the experiences of earlier decades when technological innovations were often ahead of their time but too expensive to maintain market viability. Regis notes that while past robotics projects were groundbreaking, many failed because they were too costly, only to be revived decades later when the technology became more affordable.
Robotics as a Service (RaaS): A New Business Model for Construction
Canvas has tackled this issue by employing a long-term lease model, often referred to as Robotics as a Service (RaaS), which enables construction companies to use their robots on a subscription basis rather than making an outright purchase. Regis explains that this model is already familiar to the construction industry, where renting tools and machinery is common practice.
"It’s like a car lease—if something breaks, we swap it out and provide a new robot, minimizing downtime," Regis says. This approach not only reduces financial barriers but also keeps the technology accessible to companies of varying sizes.
Regis also mentions that while some clients have expressed interest in owning their robots outright, Canvas is still being prepared to move to that model. The focus remains on refining the technology and ensuring a reliable service network before pushing towards outright sales.
Beyond the Job Site: The Broader Implications of Robotics
Beyond construction, Regis envisions a future where automation and robotics fundamentally change the way we live, particularly in urban environments. He draws attention to the ongoing developments in autonomous vehicles and how they could potentially reshape cities. As autonomous cars become more widespread, there is the potential for significant societal shifts. For example, Regis points out that parking lots and garages, which currently take up enormous amounts of space in urban areas, may need to be updated.
“Imagine a world where you don’t need to own a car,” he suggests. Instead of car ownership, people might subscribe to a service where a vehicle arrives when needed, drives them to their destination, and then leaves to pick up someone else. This could free up a huge amount of real estate in cities, which could then be repurposed for housing, green spaces, or commercial use. Regis believes this kind of technological shift could lead to a complete redesign of urban areas, making cities more efficient and livable.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers: A Learning Mindset Over Prestige
Another standout moment in the conversation comes when Regis offers advice to young engineers and technologists hoping to break into the field of robotics. He emphasizes that while formal education is valuable, what truly matters is having a learning mindset.
"Diplomas help, but it’s more about what you want to do," Regis shares. He highlights the wealth of resources available online through platforms like Udacity, where aspiring engineers can learn critical skills without needing a degree from prestigious universities like MIT or Stanford.
Regis also shares how some of the team members from Canvas came from non-traditional backgrounds, learning robotics through hands-on experience with tools like Lego Mindstorms. These individuals demonstrated their ability to learn and adapt quickly, which is what ultimately made them valuable to the company.
"At the end of the day, it’s not about where you went to school—it’s about what you can build and how you can solve problems," he adds.
Take Action Now!
From cost barriers to the potential societal shifts driven by autonomous systems, the conversation in Episode 38 of The Machine Mind Show is a thought-provoking exploration of how robotics and automation will continue to influence our lives. Listen to the full episode here.
As Regis and Canvas push forward, the impact of their work may extend far beyond construction, setting the stage for a future where automation transforms not just how we build, but how we live. For those interested in following Canvas and their groundbreaking work, you can find them here or connect with Regis Vincent on LinkedIn. For more information about their innovative approach to construction robotics, visit Canvas' website.
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