Bedrock Robotics, a stealthy startup specializing in autonomous vehicle tech, formally came out after working under the radar for more than one year. The company, started by a team of engineers with extensive robotics and autonomous system experience, particularly from Waymo and Segment, is now backed with an $80 million Eclipse- and 8VC-led investment round.
Revolutionizing Construction Sites through Autonomous Enhancements
Instead of constructing new self-driving cars from scratch, Bedrock Robotics is creating an autonomous kit that can be installed on current construction and site vehicles. This method enables firms to retrofit their existing fleets with cutting-edge tech. The system features sensors, computing hardware, and smart software that comprehends project objectives, adapts to changing site conditions, and works uninterruptedly.
In a blog post, co-founder and CEO Boris Sofman articulated Bedrock’s mission as “upgrading existing fleets with sensors, compute, and intelligence that understands project goals, adapts to changing conditions, and executes work around the clock.”
Experienced Leadership at the Helm
Boris Sofman has a solid autonomous tech background. He previously oversaw Waymo’s now-defunct self-driving truck project. Prior to that, he co-founded Anki Robotics, the firm behind the highly-rated Cozmo robot, which shut down in 2019.
Other industry veterans join Sofman. Kevin Peterson, another Waymo veteran, is the company’s CTO. Another Waymo veteran, Ajay Gummalla, is VP of Engineering. Tom Eliaz, who worked at Segment and Twilio before, also has a VP of Engineering position.
A Growing Trend in Off-Road Autonomy
Bedrock is among a wider trend in which robotics and AI-trained engineers are turning their attention away from traditional on-road environments. The startup is among an increasing number of firms bringing autonomous technology to construction, mining, industrial, and defense industries.
Earlier this year, another player in the space, San Francisco’s Pronto, bought rival SafeAI. Some other prominent players in off-road autonomy are Kodiak Robotics, Polymath Robotics, Seattle-based Overland AI, and Potential of New Brunswick, Canada. More mature companies like Forterra also fall under this growing umbrella.
Testing Across the U.S. with Industry Partners
Bedrock is already running pilot tests in a number of U.S. states, including Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, and California. The business is working in collaboration with four large construction industry partners: Sundt Construction, Zachry Construction Corporation, Champion Site Prep Inc., and Capitol Aggregates Inc.
The partnerships are indicative of Bedrock’s pragmatic and immediate method, deploying leading-edge AI and autonomy on actual construction sites instead of remote theoretical applications.
As Bedrock Robotics steps out of stealth mode with significant funding and a strong team, it signals growing momentum in the application of autonomous technology beyond roads and into rugged, complex worksites.
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