Ex-Waymo Team Raises $80M for Bedrock Robotics to Automate Construction
â–Ľ Summary
– Bedrock Robotics, a startup founded by Waymo and Segment veterans, has raised $80 million in funding from Eclipse and 8VC after operating quietly for over a year.
– The company is developing a self-driving kit for retrofitting construction and worksite vehicles, aiming to upgrade fleets with sensors and AI-driven intelligence.
– Co-founder and CEO Boris Sofman previously led Waymo’s self-driving trucks program and co-founded Anki Robotics, known for the Cozmo robot.
– Bedrock is testing its technology in Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, and California with partners like Sundt Construction and Zachry Construction Corporation.
– The startup joins a growing sector of companies focusing on off-road autonomy for industries like construction, mining, and defense.
A team of former Waymo engineers has secured $80 million in funding for their new venture, Bedrock Robotics, which aims to bring autonomous technology to construction sites. The startup, founded by industry veterans, has been developing retrofit kits that equip existing worksite vehicles with advanced sensors and AI-driven systems. Eclipse and 8VC led the investment round, marking a significant step forward for the previously low-profile company.
Bedrock Robotics specializes in upgrading heavy machinery with self-driving capabilities tailored for dynamic construction environments. According to CEO Boris Sofman, the technology helps fleets operate continuously by adapting to real-time site conditions and project requirements. Sofman, who previously headed Waymo’s autonomous trucking division, brings extensive experience from his earlier role as co-founder of Anki Robotics, the company behind the Cozmo robot. The leadership team also includes former Waymo engineers Kevin Peterson (CTO) and Ajay Gummalla (VP of engineering), alongside Tom Eliaz, who has a background in software development from Segment and Twilio.
The company is currently conducting field tests in Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, and California, collaborating with major construction firms like Sundt Construction and Zachry Construction Corporation. While Bedrock has yet to publicly share further details, its approach aligns with a growing trend of applying autonomous solutions to off-road industries, including mining, agriculture, and defense.
This sector has seen increasing activity, with startups like Pronto, which recently acquired rival SafeAI, and established players such as Kodiak Robotics competing for market share. Other notable entrants include Polymath Robotics, Overland AI, and Canada-based Potential, all working to bring automation to rugged, unpredictable environments.
Bedrock’s emergence highlights the expanding applications of self-driving technology beyond public roads. By targeting construction sites, the company aims to address labor shortages and improve efficiency in an industry ripe for innovation. Further updates are expected as the startup scales its operations and refines its offerings.
(Source: TechCrunch)