SoftBank is placing a massive bet on the future of infrastructure with a 200 million dollar investment in Gravis Robotics, a Switzerland-based startup specializing in autonomous construction machinery. This funding marks the largest Series A round in the history of construction robotics, signaling a major shift toward automation in one of the world’s most traditional industries. Unlike many competitors that require companies to buy entirely new fleets, Gravis focuses on retrofitting existing heavy equipment with advanced hardware and software, allowing contractors to upgrade their current assets rather than replacing them.
Born as a spinout from ETH Zurich in 2022, Gravis is led by CEO Ryan Luke Johns and CTO Dominic Jud, alongside professor Marco Hutter. Their core innovation is the Gravis Rack, a combination of sensors and computing power that can be integrated into various excavator brands regardless of the manufacturer. According to Johns, the system has already been adapted for over a dozen different makes and models, ranging from small ten tonne machines to industrial scale Caterpillars. He describes a seamless process where an operator simply presses play and the machine drives itself to the starting point to complete its task without any further human intervention.
The capabilities of these automated machines extend beyond simple movement, encompassing trench digging, loading trucks, and managing stockpiles. While digging currently represents about seventy percent of their operational workload, the flexibility of the system allows operators to toggle between manual control for complex maneuvers and autonomy for repetitive chores. This hybrid approach reduces worker fatigue while increasing precision on site.
This latest injection of capital follows a smaller twenty three million dollar round just nine months ago aimed at expanding operations across Europe and the United States. With deployments already active across four continents and partnerships established with industry giants like Holcim and HD Hyundai, Gravis is rapidly scaling its footprint globally. As competition heats up among firms racing to automate heavy equipment, SoftBank’s exclusive role in this round positions Gravis as a frontrunner in redefining how cities are built.
