Boulder, Colorado based CANVAS Technology recently announced news of a new startup the company has been working on in secret over the past year. The startup is aimed at developing autonomous driving technology.
You might be asking yourself: what exactly is autonomous driving technology? In a oversimplified manner, it can be defined as robot-cars – vehicles that are self-driven and where human input in regards to the driving process is close to nonexistent. You are most likely familiar with quite a few companies that have gotten themselves involved in the industry ranging from Tesla and Tata all the way to Google and Apple. While these companies focus on B2C outdoor driving vehicles and associated technology, CANVAS Technology has taken a different approach – namely B2B autonomous driving technology within warehouses and factories.
“The methods available to move goods and materials from factories to end consumers are outdated and waste tremendous time.” Says Jonathan McQueen, CEO of CANVAS Technology.
He believes that by utilizing the ability to move goods through an autonomous process, early movers can get a significant competitive advantage over competitors. This competitive advantage will come in the shape of significant cost reductions over time by allowing autonomous driving technology to facilitate the movement of materials and finished goods.
CANVAS Technology has also invented their own 3D camera-solution as part of their solution. This is because to realize autonomous driving technology inside complex and diverse environments such as factories and warehouses a high-fidelity 3D sensor is required. Pair the camera solution with sophisticated algorithms and the solution can power systems in a more accurate, flexible and safe manner.
The long-term strategy is to begin developing a autonomous system that works inside in the beginning. This will generate the necessary skills, partnerships, experience and cash flow required to later build a system that is compatible for outdoor driving.It will be interesting to see how this strategy will play out for CANVAS Technology as more and more companies are entering the autonomous driving technology.
- http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160928005439/en/CANVAS-Technology-Provide-Autonomous-Driving-Indoors
- http://canvas.technology/#home
- https://www.roboticsbusinessreview.com/canvas-technology-develops-automotive-level-autonomy-goods-delivery/
- http://www.techrockies.com/canvas-technology-uncloaks-stealth-autonomous-driving-startup/s-0067358.html
