SoftBank invests $200M in Swiss robotics startup Gravis Robotics, lifting its valuation to $1bn post-money; company builds AI for heavy construction equipment

SoftBank has invested $200 million in Swiss startup Gravis Robotics, which specializes in AI for heavy construction equipment, raising its valuation to $1 billion. Founded in 2022, Gravis aims to enhance jobsite productivity by automating tasks like driving and excavating with its advanced AI models.

Sifted+1 source17 August 2026 · 16:23 UTC

CuriousCats Full Story

SoftBank's $200 million investment in Gravis Robotics marks a significant milestone for the Swiss startup, which focuses on automating heavy construction equipment. The funding elevates Gravis' valuation to $1 billion post-money, reflecting the growing demand for innovative solutions in the construction sector.¹²³

Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, Gravis Robotics develops AI models that enhance the functionality of heavy machinery on construction sites. Their technology enables tasks such as driving, digging, and excavating, which are critical for modern infrastructure projects.

Gravis Robotics trains its AI systems using simulated experiences, allowing them to move “billions of cubic yards of virtual earth” to understand machine-ground interactions better. The company offers a range of software solutions, from a copilot for operators to full autonomy, enabling operators to supervise fleets of AI-powered vehicles remotely.

The startup claims its systems can boost jobsite productivity by up to 30%, addressing the increasing demand for infrastructure development. Co-founder and CEO Ryan Luke emphasized the need for innovation in foundational work, stating, “To build the future, we need to change the world, literally.”

Gravis Robotics is collaborating with major construction brands like Caterpillar, Hitachi, and Volvo, and its technology can be retrofitted onto existing machinery. The investment comes amid a surge in the robotics sector in Europe, which has seen over €2.28 billion in funding in the first half of 2026 alone, surpassing the total from the previous two years combined.

Key Insight

“Gravis Robotics, spun out of ETH Zurich in 2022, trains its AI models with simulated experiences moving 'billions of cubic yards of virtual earth,' and its systems can be retrofitted on existing machines from Caterpillar, Hitachi, and Volvo. The startup claims up to a 30% increase in jobsite productivity.”

CuriousCats studied:

Sifted

“Swiss startup Gravis Robotics, which builds AI models to automate heavy construction equipment, has raised $200m in Series A funding from Japanese tech giant SoftBank. The round brings the company’s valuation to $1bn post-money.”

Sifted →