Startup introduces PaperLight, an interactive projection screen for AEC pros

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 These outdated drawings end up costing these firms $9 billion per year.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.