The Dallas-based tech startup Rollout noticed just how paper-dependent AEC firms are.
The company says that 90% of contractors still use paper plans, and that 37 million construction drawings are printed every year. These outdated drawings end up costing these firms $9 billion per year.
Rollout developed PaperLight, an interactive projector and screen that provides the benefits of paper, but without the waste.
Users assemble PaperLight with the 34x24-inch white screen flat on a surface and the 29-inch projection rod hovering above it. It works as a touchscreen, where users can not only view plans, but also sketch, zoom in and out, and write notes with a stylus or their fingers. PaperLight captures edits automatically and can connect with a computer.
It fits on most desktops, and the projector can even be angled upwards and shined onto a wall for presentations. PaperLight works with a bunch of programs, including Photoshop, Autodesk AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit. The device is made of plastic, not glass, and it is shatterproof, water-resistant, and portable. It weighs 20 lbs.
Rollout will begin a crowdfunding campaign on SPURstartup later this week. PaperLight has a retail price of $5,000 and a pre-order price of $3,999 while supplies last.
Related Stories
AEC Tech | May 9, 2016
Is the nation’s grand tech boom really an innovation funk?
Despite popular belief, the country is not in a great age of technological and digital innovation, at least when compared to the last great innovation era (1870-1970).
Big Data | May 5, 2016
Demand for data integration technologies for buildings is expected to soar over the next decade
A Navigant Research report takes a deeper dive to examine where demand will be strongest by region and building type.
BIM and Information Technology | May 2, 2016
How HDR used computational design tools to create Omaha's UNO Baxter Arena
Three years after writing a white paper about designing an arena for the University of Nebraska Omaha, HDR's Matt Goldsberry says it's time to cherry-pick the best problem-solving workflows.
Virtual Reality | Apr 29, 2016
NBBJ to develop virtual reality productivity platform
The Seattle design firm has partnered with Visual Vocal, a startup VR company.
Drones | Apr 25, 2016
The Tremco SkyBEAM UAV is the first to be approved by the FAA for nighttime commercial operation
The SkyBEAM UAV is used for identifying energy leaks, rooftop damage, deteriorating façades, and safety issues without requiring scaffolding or cranes.
AEC Tech | Apr 15, 2016
Should architects learn to code?
Even if learning to code does not personally interest you, the growing demand for having these capabilities in an architectural business cannot be overlooked, writes computational design expert Nathan Miller.
Building Tech | Apr 12, 2016
Should we be worried about a tech slowdown?
Is the U.S. in an innovative funk, or is this just the calm before the storm?
AEC Tech | Mar 31, 2016
Deep Learning + AI: How machines are becoming master problem solvers
Besides revolutionary changes to the world’s workforce, artificial intelligence could have a profound impact on the built environment and the AEC industry.
AEC Tech | Mar 17, 2016
Managing risks with laser scanning gives AEC firms an edge
The more that clients demand the service, the easier it is to justify the cost of laser scanning equipment and software.
AEC Tech | Mar 15, 2016
Two to tango: Project Tango isn’t just for entertainment, it also has a wide range of possibilities relating to the professional world
Making things like augmented reality, precise measurements of indoor spaces, and indoor wayfinding possible, Google’s Project Tango has all the makings to become a useful and ubiquitous tool in the AEC market.
