Bedrock Robotics, led by a team of ex-Waymo engineers, is making waves in the construction industry with their innovative approach to autonomous heavy equipment operators. The company recently raised $80 million in funding and aims to revolutionize the way heavy equipment is operated on construction sites.
Instead of building new heavy equipment, Bedrock Robotics focuses on upgrading existing equipment with a suite of cameras, LiDAR sensors, and AI-powered software. This technology allows the equipment to operate autonomously, working 24/7 in conditions that human operators may not be able to tolerate.
The company’s prototype tech package is designed for excavators, the most common piece of construction equipment, and can be easily installed by technicians in just a few hours. The team behind Bedrock Robotics includes industry veterans like Boris Sofman, Ajay Gummalla, and engineers Tom Eliaz and Kevin Peterson. Peterson, in particular, has a track record in autonomous equipment development, having founded a similar company that was later acquired by Caterpillar.
Bedrock Robotics aims to address the construction industry’s labor shortage and increase productivity by automating heavy equipment operations. The company has garnered support from investors like ex-Waymo CEO John Krafcik and Nvidia’s venture capital arm, NVentures.
While Bedrock Robotics has not disclosed revenue targets or pricing, they see a significant opportunity in the market, especially with the infrastructure upgrades facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure law. The company’s success in the autonomous taxi space gives them credibility in the heavy equipment industry, and they are confident in their ability to deliver results.
Overall, Bedrock Robotics is poised to make a significant impact on the construction industry with their autonomous heavy equipment technology. By leveraging the expertise of their team and the support of key investors, they are well-positioned to drive innovation and efficiency in construction operations.
