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Gravis Robotics Reaches $1 Billion Valuation With $200 Million SoftBank Investment

Swiss startup Gravis Robotics raised $200m from SoftBank, hitting a $1bn valuation, according to Sifted.

AI News Feed · 2026-08-18 05:29

A few weeks ago, SoftBank was reported to be considering an acquisition of Gravis Robotics, according to Sifted. The company spun out of ETH Zurich in 2022 and develops AI models for heavy industrial vehicles on construction sites, handling tasks such as driving, digging and excavating.

Gravis Robotics says it trains its models through simulated experiences in which the systems move “billions of cubic yards of virtual earth,” giving the machines a precise understanding of how they interact with the ground, Sifted reported. Its software ranges from a copilot for operators with real-time 3D guidance and hazard detection to full autonomy, in which operators step out of the machine and supervise fleets of AI-powered vehicles.

The startup says the systems can increase jobsite productivity by up to 30%, a significant benefit as demand for new infrastructure grows faster than construction capacity, according to Sifted. “To build the future, we need to change the world, literally. Whether we are building housing, modernising energy grids or scaling data centers, every project starts with moving earth,” cofounder and CEO Ryan Luke said in a statement. “That foundational work has been the bottleneck slowing down the entire built environment.”

The technology can be retrofitted onto existing machines, and Gravis Robotics says it works with construction brands including Caterpillar, Hitachi and Volvo. The new round follows a $23 million raise last year from IQ Capital, Armada Investment Group, Zacua Ventures and building-materials manufacturer Holcim, according to Sifted.

The investment comes as robotics startup funding in Europe accelerates. Startups in the region raised €2.67 billion in the first six months of 2026, more than the €2.28 billion secured in the previous two years combined, Sifted reported.