Gravis Robotics Brings AI-Powered Autonomy to Heavy Construction Machines

Gravis Robotics introduces robotic intelligence for heavy construction equipment through its retrofit kit, the Gravis Rack. This system converts off-the-shelf hydraulic machines into intelligent robots equipped with cameras, LiDAR, and onboard compute for real-time environmental perception. Learning-based control enables machines to operate near their physical limits, achieving up to a 23% improvement in digging throughput with full, fast cycles. The system provides operators with an augmented co-pilot mode and full autonomy options, allowing one operator to oversee multiple machines remotely. Co-founders Ryan Luke Johns (CEO) and Dominic Jud (CTO) highlight how this technology helps scale infrastructure development for data centers, energy, roads, and housing during labor shortages.