Laval-based startup Omnirobotic, a robotics automation outfit, today announced a seed round of $1 million to commercialize the Omni Painter, a painting robot that can see, plan, and autonomously paint any product that hangs on an overhead conveyor.

Element AI led the round with participation from Real Ventures, local entrepreneur-investor Alexandre Taillefer and automation company Genik. The funding will enable Omnirobotic to fuel their robotic painting technology which will “lay the groundwork for numerous other high-demand industry applications.”

Founded in 2016 by Francois Simard and Laurier Roy, Omnirobotic helps mass customization manufacturers use robotics as a solution to manpower shortages. Omnirobotic said it’s time to create autonomous industrial robots capable of adapting to this ever-changing manufacturing environment and put an end to some of the more unsafe aspects of the industry.

Real Ventures partner Sylvain Carle said most manufacturers, big or small, are ill-equipped to explore, justify and maintain AI-driven industrial robots.

“Omnirobotic brings these technological advances to the market using a simple ‘rent a robot’ model that fills this increasing labour shortage,” added Carle.

“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,” said Omnirobotic CEO Francois Simard. “Our historically low unemployment means that it’s difficult for manufacturers to attract and retain qualified workers. We see Omnirobotic as the solution and we’re just getting started with the painting industry’s newest evolution, the OmniPainter.”

“Element AI is laser focused on how Artificial Intelligence can help transform traditional industries; that’s why Omnirobotic is the perfect strategic investment,” said Element AI CEO Jean-François Gagné. “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.”