Gravis Robotics Raises $23 Million to Scale Autonomous Earthmoving Technology Worldwide
Gravis Robotics, a Zurich-based startup developing autonomous solutions for earthmoving equipment, has raised $23 million in funding as it looks to scale its technology globally and accelerate adoption across the construction industry. The funding marks a significant milestone for the young company, which is focused on bringing artificial intelligence–powered autonomy to heavy machinery in order to improve productivity, safety, and efficiency on construction sites worldwide.
The funding round was co-led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures, both of which are known for backing early-stage companies working on robotics and frontier technologies. Additional investors participating in the round included Pear VC, Imad, the corporate venture arm of Nesma & Partners, Sunna Ventures, Armada Investment, and global building materials company Holcim. Gravis Robotics said the capital will be used to expand its engineering, operations, and commercial teams while supporting international deployments of its autonomous systems.
Founded in 2022 as a spin-out from ETH Zurich’s Laboratory for Robotic Systems, Gravis Robotics has developed a retrofit autonomy platform designed to work with standard construction equipment such as excavators and loaders. Rather than requiring purpose-built machines, the company’s system integrates sensors, cameras, computing hardware, and software into existing fleets, enabling contractors to introduce autonomous capabilities without replacing their equipment. This approach is intended to lower the barrier to entry for automation in an industry traditionally slow to adopt new technology.
Gravis Robotics’ platform combines real-time 3D perception, machine learning, and human-centric controls to enable machines to perform tasks such as trenching, grading, and material handling. Operators can oversee and interact with the machines through a tablet-based interface, switching between autonomous and assisted modes depending on site conditions and task complexity. The company reports that its technology can significantly increase productivity compared to fully manual operation while also reducing rework and improving safety outcomes on job sites.
The company’s systems have been deployed in construction and quarry environments across seven countries, including markets in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Latin America, and Asia. These real-world deployments have allowed Gravis Robotics to collect operational data and refine its autonomy stack in diverse conditions, from dense urban sites to large-scale industrial operations. The breadth of deployments has also helped validate the commercial viability of autonomous earthmoving in active construction environments.
Investor participation in the round reflects growing interest in automation within heavy industries. IQ Capital’s involvement highlights confidence in Gravis Robotics’ deep-tech foundations, while Zacua Ventures’ co-lead role aligns with its focus on early-stage innovation with long-term industrial impact. The participation of Holcim and Imad underscores strategic interest from established construction and infrastructure players seeking technologies that can address labor shortages and productivity challenges facing the sector.
Alongside the funding, Gravis Robotics has continued to build partnerships with major construction firms and equipment providers. Its autonomy systems have been used by companies including Holcim and Taylor Woodrow, and the startup has completed what it described as the United Kingdom’s first large-scale autonomous excavation on an active construction site at Manchester Airport. The company has also worked with equipment rental providers to offer autonomous machines as part of rental fleets, giving contractors flexible access to the technology without long-term capital commitments.
Looking ahead, Gravis Robotics plans to use the new funding to accelerate international expansion, deepen partnerships with original equipment manufacturers and dealers, and further develop its autonomy software. As infrastructure demands rise and construction companies face mounting pressure to deliver projects faster and more safely, Gravis Robotics is positioning itself to play a central role in bringing autonomous heavy machinery into mainstream use.
