JLG acquires robotics technology to boost site automation 

• JLG Industries acquired Canvas robotics startup after six-year collaboration using JLG platforms
• Deal expands JLG's autonomous construction equipment portfolio for interior building applications
• Canvas team joins Oshkosh subsidiary to develop new robotic solutions for construction

When a lift manufacturer buys a robotics startup, it's not just about getting fancier equipment—it's about admitting that humans might need some mechanical assistance to build things properly. JLG's acquisition of Canvas represents a significant shift in construction technology, where the industry finally embraces the fact that robots might be better at repetitive tasks than coffee-fueled workers at 6 AM. This partnership, which began six years ago when Canvas essentially borrowed JLG's playground equipment to build their robots, has now evolved into a full corporate marriage.

The construction industry has historically been about as tech-forward as a medieval guild, but automation is forcing even the most stubborn contractors to reconsider their relationship with technology. JLG's move signals that major equipment manufacturers are betting big on autonomous solutions, particularly for interior construction work where precision matters more than brute force. The fact that Canvas built their technology on JLG platforms from the beginning suggests this wasn't just a random acquisition—it was a strategic courtship that took longer than most Hollywood relationships.

What makes this particularly interesting is the timing and scope of the deal. Construction faces persistent labor shortages and productivity challenges, making robotic solutions increasingly attractive to contractors who need consistent performance without bathroom breaks. JLG, as part of the larger Oshkosh Corporation, now has the resources to scale Canvas technology across multiple product lines, potentially transforming how interior construction gets done. The acquisition also positions JLG ahead of competitors who are still figuring out whether robots belong on construction sites or just in science fiction movies.