Laval-based Omnirobotic, which helps customization manufacturers use robotics to address manpower shortages, has raised a $1 million seed round.
The funding was led by Element AI, with participation from Real Ventures, Alexandre Taillefer, and Genik.
Founded in 2016 by Francois Simard and Laurier Roy, Omnirobotic develops autonomous industrial robots to automate processes in the manufacturing industry. Using artificial intelligence, the robots can see their environment, plan, and execute a task in real-time without having to learn the required sequence of actions or how to move.
“Omnirobitic will eliminate the dullest, dirtiest, and most dangerous tasks in the painting industry.”
– Francois Simard
“Omnirobotic will eliminate the dullest, dirtiest, and most dangerous tasks in the painting industry,” said Simard, CEO and founder of Omnirobotic. “Autonomous robots do not simply repeat taught motion, they use machine vision and AI to learn how to perform complicated production tasks for any product. Now, any process can be intelligently automated. Our historically low unemployment means that it’s difficult for manufacturers to attract and retain qualified workers.”
Omnirobotic plans to use the funding to commercialize its first product, OmniPainter, which is a painting robot that can see, plan, and autonomously paint any product hanging on an overhead conveyor. Omnirobotic said the funding will allow it to demonstrate its technology and lay the groundwork for other industrial applications. The company is hoping its autonomous robots will soon become intelligent enough that manufacturers will be able to hire them as they would hire people.
“Element AI is always looking to find the next big innovation and is laser-focused on how artificial intelligence can help transform traditional industries. That’s why Omnirobotic is the perfect strategic investment,” said Jean-François Gagné, CEO of Element AI. “We share an understanding of how industry needs to evolve and the Omnirobotic team has demonstrated that they have what it takes to be true industrial pioneers so we’re thrilled to support their efforts.”
Photo via Omnirobotic