Gravis Robotics

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Overview

Gravis Robotics is a Swiss physical-AI company that converts standard excavators and other heavy earthmoving machines into autonomous or assisted robotic systems. Its approach combines machine vision, LiDAR, positioning, onboard computing, hydraulic control, and a human-oriented interface, allowing contractors to add autonomy to mixed fleets without replacing them with purpose-built autonomous vehicles.

The company is notable as an ETH Zurich spinout focused on construction and quarry operations, where it targets repetitive tasks and supports operating modes ranging from in-cab assistance to remote supervision of autonomous machines. Its systems have been used by industry partners including Holcim and have been deployed across multiple continents, according to company and industry reports.

History

Gravis Robotics AG was founded in late 2022 as a spinout from ETH Zurich’s Robotic Systems Lab. It was co-founded by Ryan Luke Johns, Dominic Jud, Marco Tranzatto, and Burak Cizmeci, with ETH robotics professor Marco Hutter involved as a co-founder and board member. The company developed retrofit autonomy for existing excavators and other earthmoving machinery rather than manufacturing complete machines from scratch. Its systems have been deployed in construction and quarry operations, including work with Holcim and other industry partners.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Gravis Rack retrofit autonomy hardware	Sensor and edge-computing kit for adding autonomy to existing heavy machinery
Gravis Slate operator interface	Rugged touchscreen control and supervision interface
Autonomous earthmoving software	Terrain-aware autonomy for excavation, loading, grading, and material handling

Manufacturing

Gravis develops the autonomy software, sensing, computing, and operator-interface system around its Zürich-based engineering organization. The company retrofits existing excavators and other earthmoving machines from multiple manufacturers rather than producing complete construction vehicles; specific manufacturing and assembly locations for the Gravis hardware were not disclosed.

Notable Products

Gravis Rack - A rooftop-mounted retrofit autonomy kit combining LiDAR, surround-view cameras, GNSS positioning, edge computing, and communications for existing excavators and other earthmoving machines.
Gravis Slate - A rugged touchscreen operator interface used to define work zones, start autonomous cycles, monitor machine status, and switch between manual, assisted, and autonomous modes.
Gravis Autonomous Earthmoving Platform - The company’s integrated physical-AI autonomy system for repetitive earthmoving tasks such as trenching, bulk excavation, truck loading, grading, and stockpile management.

Reputation

Gravis is regarded by robotics and construction-technology observers as an ETH Zurich-derived autonomy specialist with a practical retrofit strategy for mixed equipment fleets. Professionals note its emphasis on real-world deployment, offline-capable edge computing, and multiple autonomy levels rather than requiring fully autonomous machines from the outset. Publicly disclosed retail or system pricing is unavailable, and independent evidence about large-scale deployment, long-term reliability, and total ownership costs remains limited. The company’s performance claims are primarily based on its own statements and partner announcements.

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