Former Waymo Engineers Capture $80M to Launch Bedrock Robotics, Poised to Revolutionize Automated Construction
Bedrock Robotics Unveils an $80M Funding Splash
In a quiet year of tinkering, this startup of former Waymo and Segment folks is finally spotlighted, thanks to a hefty
cash injection from Eclipse and 8VC.
What’s the Buzz?
Bedrock’s goal? Turn ordinary construction beasts—bulldozers, cranes, you name it—into fully‑autonomous champs that work around the clock.
- Retrofit‑Ready Kit: Plug‑and‑play sensors, compute units, and smarter AI onto existing fleets.
- Project‑Aware Intelligence: The robots don’t just move; they know the job’s objectives and adapt on the fly.
- 24/7 Operation: No need for shift changes—these bots keep the site humming.
Meet the Brainiacs Behind the Machine
- Boris Sofman: Former Waymo truck lead and ex‑CEO of Anki (remember Cozmo?). He’s back driving the charge.
- Kevin Peterson: CTO, still riding the Waymo wave.
- Ajay Gummalla: VP of engineering, ensuring every line of code hits the mark.
- Tom Eliaz: Another VP of engineering, previously juggling roles at Segment and Twilio.
Why This Matters
Doing autonomous driving ain’t just about tech—it’s about safety, efficiency, and lowering the cost of big‑job fleets. Bedrock’s kit could turn construction sites into high‑speed, low‑cost, machine‑managed zones.
Next Steps
While the company hasn’t sent a formal reply yet, TechCrunch will keep the story fresh as details roll in.
Bedrock Robotics: Turning Off‑Road Sites into Smart Arenas
Picture this: a squad of engineers with a knack for robotics, autonomy, and AI is steering their skills off the paved highways and onto gravel, dirt, and dust. That’s the mission of Bedrock Robotics, the newest contender in the off‑road autonomous vehicle arena.
Why Off‑Road? The Frontier of Self‑Driving Tech
In recent years, the rush to get autonomous systems onto trucks and other vehicles that work in rugged environments has birthed a whole swarm of start‑ups. They’re targeting places that aren’t your typical city streets: construction sites, mining operations, industrial plants, and even defense areas. The goal is simple—make the machines steer themselves while hauling cargo or performing heavy-duty tasks.
Big Moves: Pronto’s Acquisition Play
Earlier this week, Pronto, a San Francisco‑based company that’s been fine‑tuning a self‑driving system for haulage trucks, pulled the trigger on acquiring its rival SafeAI. That deal solidifies the competitive landscape, pushing tech forward and ensuring that off‑road solutions keep evolving faster than a hill‑climber’s uphill sprint.
Other Players in the Off‑Road Crowd
- Kodiak Robotics
- Polymath Robotics
- Overland AI – Seattle based
- Potential – based in New Brunswick, Canada
- Forterra – a more established name.
Bedrock’s Focus: Construction Land
Bedrock has keen eyes on the construction sector. They’re putting their tech to the test in Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, and California, teaming up with four major players: Sundt Construction, Zachry Construction Corporation, Champion Site Prep Inc., and Capitol Aggregates Inc.. These collaborations aim to make heavy machinery not just smarter, but safer and more efficient on the job site.
What’s Next?
With the industry accelerating, Bedrock and its peers look set to push the boundaries of how we think about autonomous mobility on rough terrain. Whether it’s mining carts navigating uneven ground or construction cranes letting their cargo fall into place—off‑road AI is stepping onto the field, and it’s playing hardball.
Stay tuned for more innovations that will shape the future of rugged, autonomous roadways.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
Get Ready to Dive into the Ultimate Tech Fest!
When & Where?
- Dates: October 27-29, 2025
- Location: San Francisco – the heart of innovation and endless coffee shops.
What’s Bringing the Heat?
- Keynote speakers who’ll drop knowledge like it’s hot—think AI, blockchain, and beyond.
- Hands‑on workshops that let you build and test cutting‑edge tech live.
- Networking galore: meet peers, mentors, and industry leaders who are eager to collaborate.
- Exclusive swag, including plush hoodies and limited‑edition gadgets.
Why You Should Be Here
Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a startup whiz, or just curious about tomorrow’s tech, this event offers a once‑in‑a‑career chance to soak up ideas, spark new projects, and possibly discover the next big thing right around the corner.
Time to Secure Your Spot!
REGISTER NOW – Spots are filling up faster than a San Francisco coffee shop on a weekday morning. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the future.
