Gravis Robotics, an ETH Zürich spin-off, has raised $23 million in a Series A funding round led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures. Construction materials giant Holcim also participated in the round. The robotics startup is developing autonomous platforms for construction sites, focusing on large-scale earth and material movement operations. Its technology is already deployed across seven countries, serving clients including Taylor Woodrow and Develon. The funding will accelerate global expansion, grow the team and deepen partnerships with construction firms. Gravis uses learning-based control systems and retrofittable robotic solutions aimed at boosting productivity in construction and mining sectors.

Gravis Robotics boosts construction efficiency with AI excavators. Global demand for infrastructure - from roads and housing to wind farms and data centres - is surging, driven by clean energy initiatives and AI expansion. Yet construction productivity has stagnated for decades, and experienced operators are retiring faster than new workers are entering the field. Gravis Robotics, a Zurich startup spun out of ETH Zurich, is addressing this challenge by adding AI autonomy kits to standard heavy machinery such as excavators and loaders. Transforming heavy equipment with AI. Gravis' retrofit solution, called the "Rack," equips machines with LiDAR, cameras, GPS, and hydraulic sensors. This allows equipment to perform trenching, soil grading, and stockpile management independently, increasing site output by roughly 30% while reducing near-misses and workplace accidents. Operators can control the machines via a Slate tablet, toggling between manual and autonomous modes, making real-time adjustments, and streaming data to improve AI performance on active sites. Unlike high-cost autonomous models from Caterpillar or Komatsu, or kits from Built Robotics tied to specific machines, Gravis supports more than a dozen brands, including HD Hyundai Develon, CNH loaders, and Menzi Muck walkers. Proven on active projects across seven countries, the system is designed to augment operators rather than replace them. Funding to accelerate growth. Gravis Robotics recently secured $23 million in a funding round led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures, with participation from Pear VC, Imad of Nesma & Partners, Sunna Ventures, Armada Investment, and strategic investor Holcim. This capital will fuel expansion in the UK, US, and EU, support team growth, and scale Rack production to meet global construction demands. Expert leadership driving innovation. CEO and co-founder Ryan Luke Johns, a former architect trained at Princeton and Columbia, co-holds a Guinness World Record with CTO Dominic Jud for the largest robot-built dry-stone wall. Jud specializes in hydraulic autonomy, while board member Prof. Marco Hutter, a DARPA Subterranean Challenge winner, advances reinforcement learning in robotics. Together, they have created a platform that rapidly adapts to real-world construction conditions. Real-World applications and partnerships. Gravis' autonomy kits have been trialed successfully at high-profile sites, including Manchester Airport in the UK. The company is pursuing rapid rollout via OEM channels, rental providers such as Flannery, and partnerships with Holcim quarries. Collaborations with Taylor Woodrow, HD Hyundai, and other industry leaders aim to normalize autonomous operation across the $1.6 trillion earthmoving and mining sector. Shaping the future of construction. By combining AI, robotics, and adaptive software, Gravis Robotics addresses both the labour shortage and the efficiency gap in construction. As infrastructure demand continues to grow, the company is positioning itself to lead the global transition toward smarter, safer, and more productive worksites.

Gravis secures $23m for its AI earthmoving tech. Gravis Robotics has raised $23M (£17m) to bring its autonomous earthmoving technology to the UK US, and EU. Gravis's technology transforms construction machinery with AI, cameras and sensors so it can operate autonomously or assist human operators. The company claims it could help boost site productivity by 30% and help address the industry's productivity crisis. Gravis has already secured deals with Holcim, Taylor Woodrow, HD Hyundai, and its technology is being used in seven countries across UK, US, EU, LATAM and Asia. Morgan Sindall Construction technical director, Steffan Speer, said: "Construction faces major challenges, from attracting and retaining a skilled workforce to improving productivity. "The industry has often been seen as slow to adopt new technologies. Working with Gravis Robotics, we're changing that." CEO and co-founder of Gravis Robotics, Ryan Luke Johns, said: "By giving operators real-time 3D intelligence and the ability to shift seamlessly between autonomy and augmented control, we cover more of the work, accelerate adoption and create the data pipeline needed to learn new capabilities from the industry's hardest jobs." Gravis in action. Gravis Robotics broke ground at a Taylor Woodrow infrastructure project at Manchester Airport. This was the UK's first large-scale use of autonomous excavation on an active site. Its systems are being used in the autonomous handling of quarry materials with Holcim and other firms, including for preparation, stockpile management and the loading of trucks and screeners. Gravis is also partnering with plant hire provider Flannery to provide a combined rental package for construction customers, enabling a turnkey excavator solution. This latest round of funding was co-led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures, with Pear VC, Imad (CVC of Nesma & Partners), Sunna Ventures, Armada Investment and Holcim. The funding will be used to support Gravis's global roll-out, grow its team and expand its partnership networks with OEMs, contractors and dealers.