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constructionAugust 18, 2026

Gravis Robotics Secures $200M to Transform ASEAN Construction

Swiss startup Gravis Robotics raises $200 million to scale its autonomous construction tech, promising a new era for ASEAN's infrastructure.

A New Era in Construction: Gravis Robotics Raises $200 Million for Autonomous Heavy Machinery \\[n] The global construction industry is facing unprecedented challenges, from labor shortages to the need for rapid infrastructure development. In response, Gravis Robotics, a Swiss-based company, has secured $200 million in Series A funding from SoftBank. This investment will enable Gravis to scale its autonomous heavy machinery technology, which promises to revolutionize the way construction sites operate, particularly in the ASEAN region. \\[n] ### Addressing Labor Shortages and Efficiency Gaps \\[n] The construction sector in Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, is experiencing significant labor shortages and inefficiencies. These issues are compounded by the growing demand for housing, data centers, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Gravis Robotics' technology, which uses AI and large-scale simulations, aims to bridge these gaps. By training AI models in virtual environments that mimic real-world conditions, Gravis can deploy autonomous excavators and other heavy machinery that can handle complex and unpredictable jobsites. \\[n] ### Tailored Solutions for ASEAN Factories \\[n] For factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the implications of this technology are profound. Gravis' autonomous control kits, known as the Gravis Rack, can be installed on a variety of heavy equipment from different manufacturers, such as Caterpillar, Case, and John Deere. This flexibility means that existing fleets can be retrofitted with minimal disruption, allowing for a seamless transition to more efficient and safer operations. \\[n] In Thailand, where the government is pushing for smart city initiatives, Gravis' technology could play a crucial role in accelerating infrastructure projects. Similarly, in Vietnam, where urbanization is driving a surge in construction, the adoption of autonomous machinery could help meet the growing demand for housing and commercial spaces. In Indonesia, the technology could support the development of resilient infrastructure, especially in areas prone to natural disasters. And in Malaysia, it could enhance the efficiency of large-scale projects, such as the expansion of data centers and energy networks. \\[n] ### Enhancing Productivity and Safety \\[n] Gravis Robotics claims that its systems can improve jobsite productivity by up to 30% compared to manual operation, while also enhancing safety. The company's AI-assisted manual operation and full autonomy options provide flexibility, allowing operators to either stay in the cab with real-time 3D guidance or supervise multiple machines from a safe distance. This dual approach not only boosts productivity but also reduces the risk of accidents, making construction sites safer for workers. \\[n] ### Looking Ahead \\[n] With the backing of SoftBank, Gravis Robotics is poised to expand its reach across the globe, including the ASEAN region. The company's participation in the UK government-backed CAM Pathfinder project, in partnership with Flannery Plant Hire, further underscores its commitment to integrating autonomous technology into existing heavy equipment fleets. For factory buyers in ASEAN, this presents an opportunity to adopt cutting-edge technology that can significantly enhance their operational efficiency and safety. \\[n] As the construction industry continues to evolve, Gravis Robotics' autonomous heavy machinery solutions offer a promising path forward, enabling factories in the ASEAN region to build smarter, faster, and more sustainably. \\[n] **Takeaway for Factory Buyers:** Consider investing in Gravis Robotics' autonomous control kits to retrofit your existing heavy equipment. This can lead to significant improvements in productivity, safety, and overall operational efficiency, positioning your factory at the forefront of the construction industry's technological transformation.

constructiongeneral

Editorial rewrite by ASEAN Machine team, based on public reporting from Robotics & Automation News, with added ASEAN manufacturing context.

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