Transforming Construction: Bedrock Robotics Secures $80M Funding to Automate Industry Operations

Ex-Waymo engineers launch Bedrock Robotics with $80M to automate construction

Bedrock Robotics, a startup founded by veterans of Waymo and Segment, has emerged from stealth mode with an impressive $80 million funding round from investors Eclipse and 8VC. The company is focused on developing a self-driving kit that can be retrofitted to construction and other worksite vehicles.

As reported earlier this year, Bedrock Robotics is working on a solution that upgrades existing fleets with sensors, compute, and intelligence that understands project goals, adapts to changing conditions, and executes work around the clock. This technology has significant potential to revolutionize the construction industry by increasing efficiency, reducing accidents, and enhancing overall site safety.

The company’s CEO, Boris Sofman, previously led Waymo’s shuttered self-driving trucks program. However, it is his role as co-founder and CEO of Anki Robotics, which created the popular Cozmo consumer robot, that has garnered significant attention in recent years.

Bedrock Robotics’ team also includes other notable talent from the autonomous vehicle industry, including CTO Kevin Petersen, VP of Engineering Ajay Gummalla, and VP of Engineering Tom Eliaz. Despite attempts to reach the company for comment, Bedrock could not be reached to provide further details about their technology or future plans.

The funding round marks a significant milestone for the startup, as it joins a growing list of companies seeking to apply autonomous vehicle technologies to off-road environments like construction, mining, and defense. In recent years, several startups have emerged with the aim of deploying self-driving systems in these sectors, including Pronto and Kodiak Robotics.

Bedrock’s focus on the construction industry highlights the potential for automation to transform the way we build our infrastructure. By leveraging their expertise in autonomous vehicles, the company aims to provide a solution that can enhance safety, reduce labor costs, and increase productivity across the industry.

Source: techcrunch.com