SoftBank eyes acquisition of Gravis Robotics in latest AI-powered push into physical automation

SoftBank Group is reportedly in early-stage discussions to acquire Gravis Robotics AG, a Zurich-based startup that builds AI autonomy platforms for heavy construction machinery. The deal would fold Gravis’s technology into a new venture called Roze, further cementing SoftBank’s aggressive expansion into what the industry calls “physical AI.” What Gravis actually does Gravis Robotics spun out of ETH Zurich in 2022 with a straightforward but ambitious idea: retrofit existing construction equipment, like excavators and loaders, with AI-powered autonomy kits. The company’s product, known as Gravis RACK, essentially turns dumb machines into smart ones. Instead of buying entirely new autonomous equipment, construction firms can bolt Gravis’s tech onto machinery they already own. One operator can then manage multiple machines simultaneously. The startup has raised approximately $23 million to date. Its most recent funding round, a Series A completed in November 2025, was led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures. Gravis has already expanded operations across the US, UK, EU, Latin America, and Asia. SoftBank’s robotics spending spree In October 2025, SoftBank announced it was acquiring ABB’s ro...