Gravis Robotics
Overview
Gravis Robotics is a technology firm specializing in the development of autonomous systems for heavy machinery used in construction and mining industries. Founded in 2022 as a spinout from ETH Zurich, the company is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The founders include Ryan Luke Johns, Dominic Jud, Marco Tranzatto, and Burak Cizmeci. Gravis Robotics has raised approximately $23 million to advance its mission of integrating AI and robotics into earthmoving equipment across the globe, addressing issues like labor shortages and low productivity in the construction sector.
Recent Developments
Gravis Robotics has seen numerous significant advancements and partnerships in the last two years:
- November 2025: Gravis Robotics raised $23 million in funding led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures, with participation from Pear VC, Sunna Ventures, and strategic partners like Holcim. The funds are intended to accelerate the deployment of their autonomy solutions across the UK, US, and EU.
- November 2025: The company announced a series of landmark deals enhancing their global reach in autonomous earthmoving technology, an effort backed by their participation in major industry events like Bauma 2025 where they showcased their latest developments.
- April 2025: Gravis Robotics signed a strategic agreement with Holcim to commercialize autonomous technology in quarries, tapping into the company’s existing infrastructure to enhance safety and productivity.
- September 2024: The firm entered a partnership with HD Hyundai and Develon for the development of autonomous systems optimized for quarry operations, marking a significant step in integrating their technologies into mainstream operations.
- The company has rapidly expanded its market presence, with its technologies operational in construction sites across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, demonstrating its capacity for global scalability and sector impact.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2022 |
| Headquarters | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Founders | Ryan Luke Johns, Dominic Jud, Marco Tranzatto, Burak Cizmeci |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | IQ Capital, Zacua Ventures, Holcim, and others |
| Industry | Robotics, Construction Technology |
| Number of Employees | 46 |
Early History
Gravis Robotics’ journey began as an ambitious spinoff initiative at ETH Zurich. Founded in late 2022, the company originated from collaborative research efforts involving the Robotic Systems Lab and associated projects in digital fabrication and robotics. The initial focus was on autonomously operating heavy construction machinery using a combination of AI-driven automation and advanced mechanical control systems. This foundation laid the groundwork for what would become the adaptable and widely applicable robotic platform being developed today. Notably, co-founders Ryan Luke Johns and Dominic Jud, leveraging their academic and professional backgrounds, were instrumental in translating cutting-edge research into practical industrial applications.
Company Profile and Achievements
Gravis Robotics has developed a distinct business model centered on retrofitting existing heavy machinery with advanced AI and robotic systems, enhancing overall operational efficiency and safety on construction sites. Their standout product is the "Gravis Rack," a hardware component that, when combined with their "Gravis Slate" tablet, transforms standard construction machines into autonomous units capable of handling complex tasks like trenching, grading, and soil management.
- 2011-2022: Research and development phase at ETH Zurich laying the technological foundation.
- 2022: Officially launched as a startup, focusing initial efforts on developing autonomous capabilities for earthmoving machinery.
- 2023: Achieved key partnerships and began global deployment of its solutions, underpinned by a successful round of funding.
- 2025: Participated in Bauma 2025, Europe’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, where it demonstrated industry-leading solutions in AI-driven machine autonomy. Gravis Robotics has positioned itself as a key player in the emerging field of construction robotics by prioritizing versatility and user adaptability in their solutions. They aim to augment human operators, improving site safety while striving for superhuman levels of productivity.
Current Operations and Market Position
As of November 2025, Gravis Robotics has carved out a competitive niche within the construction technology sector. Their operations focus on providing adaptable, autonomous solutions compatible with multiple brands of construction machinery, including equipment from industry giants like HD Hyundai and Caterpillar. Gravis' technology is utilized across various geographic locales, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America, underscoring their robust international outreach and market penetration strategies. Through continued innovation and strategic partnerships, Gravis aims to propagate its influence across the $1.6 trillion earthmoving sector by addressing critical needs such as labor efficiency and operational safety.
Conclusion
Gravis Robotics represents a leading edge in the realm of construction automation, with a clear trajectory toward reshaping industry norms through sophisticated AI and robotics. Their innovations not only enhance productivity but also address broader challenges like labor shortages and safety concerns in high-risk job settings. With sustained financial backing and strategic partnerships, Gravis Robotics is well-positioned to influence future trends in heavy machinery automation. The company’s dedication to not only maintaining but also expanding its technological capabilities indicates promising potential for further industry leadership and innovation in autonomous earthmoving solutions.