Heavy construction is one of the least automated major industries in the world, still relying largely on machines that work much as they did 50 years ago. Spun out of ETH Zurich, Gravis Robotics is changing that by bringing physical AI to the jobsite.
Through the Gravis Rack, its autonomous control kit, Gravis equips excavators and other heavy machinery with software that supports a full spectrum of operation—from AI-augmented manual control to full autonomy. In manual operation, Gravis Copilot provides operators with real-time 3D guidance and hazard detection. In autonomous mode, operators can leave the cab and supervise entire robotic fleets from a safe environment. The same core software already runs on machines from a wide range of manufacturers, increasing jobsite productivity by up to 30% compared with peak manual operation while improving overall worksite safety. Gravis systems are already deployed alongside global infrastructure leaders across four continents.
Kellerhals Carrard and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Gravis Robotics on its USD 200 million Series A investment by SoftBank Investment Advisers, the largest Series A in the history of construction robotics. With SoftBank’s backing, Gravis is set to take its autonomous systems worldwide and put physical AI to work in a trillion-dollar industry constrained by persistent labor shortages.
Building on Karim Maizar’s and Dario Silberschmidt’s (both Partners, VC/Corporate) long-standing relationship with the Company, this transaction was co-led by Dario Silberschmidt and Luana Stämpfli (Partner, VC/Corporate), with Michèle Remund (Partner, Tax) leading on tax and Karim Maizar serving as senior relationship partner, supported by a team comprising of:
From ETH Zurich to an expansion on four continents, Gravis Robotics is exactly the kind of company that keeps the Greater Zurich Area on the global deep-tech map.
Congratulations to Ryan Luke Johns, Dominic Jud, Tjarko Leifer, August Söderlund, Alina M., Marco Hutter, Hanspeter Fässler and to the entire Gravis Robotics team on this landmark round. We look forward to supporting your journey ahead.