Gravis Robotics
Category: Robotics / Embodied AI
Gravis Robotics develops autonomous earthmoving systems that transform standard excavators and loaders into robotic teammates using AI autonomy kits. Gravis Robotics was founded in 2022. The company is led by Ryan Luke Johns. Based in Zurich, Switzerland. Team size: 51-100. Total funding raised: $223 million. Latest round: Series A. Key investors include SoftBank Investment Advisers, IQ Capital, Zacua Ventures, Pear VC, Imad (CVC of Nesma & Partners), Sunna Ventures, Armada Investment, Holcim.
- Founded
- 2022
- Headquarters
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Team size
- 51-100
- Total funding
- $223 million
Value proposition
Delivers 30% productivity gains, enhances safety, and reduces operational costs by automating repetitive earthmoving tasks like trenching, grading, and material handling.
Products and solutions
Autonomous Excavator Platform (Gravis Rack), Gravis Copilot (machine-guidance platform, autonomy-ready), Gravis Slate (tablet interface for autonomy & augmented control), AI-Driven 3D Surveying & Machine Control Systems, Teleoperation Solutions for complex site tasks
Unique value
First autonomy platform compatible with any excavator/loader make/model, combining computer vision, LiDAR, and heavy machinery control systems.
Target customer
Construction firms, mining operations, and infrastructure developers facing labor shortages and needing productivity improvements.
Industries served
Construction, Mining & Quarrying, Infrastructure Development, Urban Renewal Projects
Technology advantage
Proprietary AI algorithms enable real-time adaptation to variable site conditions, with precision comparable to expert operators.
How they differentiate
Gravis Robotics differentiates itself through AI-powered autonomy solutions that enable real-time 3D surveying, machine control, and remote operation for any excavator or loader. Their hybrid approach allows seamless switching between autonomy and human control, addressing complex construction tasks while leveraging existing equipment.
Main competitors
Built Robotics, Bedrock Robotics, Teleo, Caterpillar, Komatsu
Key partnerships
SoftBank Investment Advisers (Series A strategic capital), Develon (excavator manufacturer for platform integration), Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas (autonomy demo at CONEXPO 2026), Holcim (deployment in quarry operations), ETH Zurich Robotic Systems Lab (research collaboration), Taylor Woodrow (construction field trials at Manchester Airport), HD Hyundai XiteSolution (autonomous material handling), Flannery (UK rental + $8M CAM Pathfinder retrofit project), Kibag (Switzerland deployment), Boskalis (earthmoving deployments)
Notable customers
Holcim, HD Hyundai XiteSolution (Infracore/Develon), Morgan Sindall Construction, Taylor Woodrow, Boskalis, Techint Group, armasuisse
Major milestones
2026-08: Raised $200M Series A from SoftBank at ~$1B valuation (unicorn; largest Series A in construction robotics), 2026: Selected for $8M UK CAM Pathfinder with Flannery Plant Hire to retrofit excavator fleets, 2026: Expanded into US market, launched Gravis Copilot at CONEXPO 2026, 2026: Partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas for autonomy demos, 2026: Won CONEXPO Next Level Award (Contractors' Choice) for Gravis Rack, 2025-11: Raised $23M Seed co-led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures, 2025: Partnership with Holcim for autonomous quarry operations, 2025: Partnership with Flannery for UK rental model, 2025: Collaboration with HD Hyundai for autonomous material handling solutions, 2022-2025: Developed Guinness World Record-breaking dry-stone construction robot
Growth metrics
N/A (private company)
Market positioning
Positioned as an innovator in construction automation tackling labor shortages and productivity challenges. Targets both traditional equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and construction firms seeking to adopt autonomy incrementally.
Geographic focus
Europe (Swiss based with partnerships like Holcim) and expanding into North America and Asia-Pacific through OEM collaborations.
Patents and IP
Not publicly disclosed, but built on 10+ years of ETH Zurich research in construction robotics (including Guinness World Record dry-stone wall construction tech).
About Ryan Luke Johns
Architect and roboticist with a doctorate from ETH Zurich in autonomous construction systems. Holds a Guinness World Record for largest dry-stone wall built by a robot. Former architect at Princeton and Columbia with hands-on construction experience.
More Robotics / Embodied AI companies
Official website: https://gravisrobotics.com