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

Bedrock Robotics, a promising startup founded by former engineers from Waymo and Segment, is making waves in the autonomous vehicle sector with a recent $80 million funding round. This investment comes from notable backers including Eclipse and 8VC, marking a significant step forward for the company, which has been operating under the radar for over a year. The startup aims to transform existing construction and worksite vehicles by equipping them with a self-driving kit that enhances their capabilities. According to co-founder and CEO Boris Sofman, the technology will allow these vehicles to be upgraded with advanced sensors and intelligence, enabling them to adapt in real-time to project demands and operate continuously. Sofman, who previously oversaw Waymo's self-driving truck initiative and co-founded Anki Robotics, is joined by a team of experts from Waymo and other tech giants. Among them are Kevin Petersen, the new CTO, Ajay Gummalla, the VP of engineering, and Tom Eliaz, also a VP of engineering with experience from Segment and Twilio. The team is dedicated to advancing robotics and AI in the off-road sector, particularly in construction. Bedrock Robotics is not alone in this burgeoning field. The company is part of a growing trend of startups focusing on applying autonomous technology to off-road applications, including construction, mining, and industrial operations. Competitors like Pronto, which recently acquired SafeAI, and other companies such as Kodiak Robotics and Polymath Robotics, are also vying for a stake in this evolving market. Currently, Bedrock is conducting tests in several states including Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, and California, collaborating with major players like Sundt Construction and Zachry Construction Corporation, among others. As the industry continues to explore the potential of autonomous solutions, Bedrock Robotics stands at the forefront, poised to make a significant impact on the future of construction.