Gravis Robotics, an earthmoving autonomy platform, has secured $23 million in fresh funding to accelerate its global expansion across the UK, US, and EU. The investment round was co-led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures and coincides with a series of landmark deals with industry leaders including Holcim, Taylor Woodrow, and HD Hyundai. This capital infusion will fuel the company's mission to deploy its autonomous technology and grow its network of partnerships.
Revolutionizing Earthmoving with AI
Founded in late 2022 as a spinout from ETH Zurich, Gravis Robotics transforms heavy machinery into intelligent, autonomous robots using a sophisticated retrofit system. Its technology leverages AI, LiDAR, cameras, and GNSS to adapt to real-world ground conditions, going far beyond simple pre-programmed commands. This learning-based control system effectively “feels the soil,” enabling precise and adaptive operations on complex and unpredictable job sites.
Boosting On-Site Productivity and Efficiency
The platform is designed to tackle the construction industry's most pressing challenges, including declining productivity and an aging workforce. By enhancing human teams rather than replacing them, Gravis boosts output by up to 30%, significantly reduces costly rework, and improves overall site safety. According to partner Morgan Sindall Construction, the company's robotic excavator proved to be as productive as a skilled machine driver.
Real-World Deployments and Industry Impact
Gravis's systems are already making a tangible impact on active sites for industry giants in construction and quarrying. A recent milestone includes the UK's first large-scale use of autonomous excavation at a Taylor Woodrow infrastructure project at Manchester Airport. These deployments demonstrate the technology's readiness for complex tasks like site preparation, stockpile management, and the loading of trucks and screeners.
Forging Strategic Alliances for Market Access
The company is rapidly expanding its reach through strategic partnerships that create multiple distribution channels for its technology. A collaboration with Flannery, the UK's largest plant hire provider, offers a turnkey rental solution for autonomous excavators. Similar models are being rolled out through OEM dealer networks, including integrations with Develon in the UK and Kibag in Switzerland.
A Global Footprint and European Advantage
This expansion strategy has established a presence for Gravis in seven countries across the UK, EU, US, LATAM, and Asia, one of the widest footprints for this technology. Scaling from Europe provides a distinct advantage, as the region's high operational standards serve as a proving ground for global deployment. Based in the robotics hub of Zurich, Gravis is perfectly positioned within this innovative ecosystem to lead the charge.
With $23 million in new funding, a growing network of powerful industry partners, and field-tested technology, Gravis Robotics is set to lead a new era of automation. The company is now equipped to bring large-scale autonomy to the trillion-dollar earthmoving and mining sectors. This strategic positioning addresses critical industry needs and paves the way for a more productive, efficient, and safer future in construction.