Quick verdict
Gravis Robotics Review 2026: AI Retrofit Autonomy for Excavators and Loaders
Updated October 13, 2026 – Tested Intelligence
Quick verdict: Gravis Robotics takes the most flexible approach in this group: one retrofit kit, many brands, and a tablet that lets an operator move between manual, AI-assisted and autonomous work on the same machine. Its output claims are vendor figures, but the partner list and live sites across seven countries are substantial for a young company. Pricing is not public.
What it is
Gravis Robotics is a Zurich company founded in late 2022 as a spinout from ETH Zurich. Its system has two parts. The Gravis Rack is a rooftop-mounted retrofit kit that adds LiDAR, cameras, GNSS positioning, hydraulic sensing and onboard compute to an excavator or wheel loader. The Gravis Slate is the rugged tablet interface: define the area to dig, press play for autonomous work, or stay manual with live 3D guidance showing where to cut and where to fill.
The idea operators will recognise is augmentation first. Gravis says its learning-based control senses soil resistance as it digs instead of following a fixed motion. Its Copilot offer, on the same platform, keeps the operator in control while adding sensor-based assistance.
On its own November 2025 release, Gravis reported live work in seven countries, deals involving Holcim, Taylor Woodrow and HD Hyundai among others, a rental package through Flannery in the UK, and a $23 million raise to expand in the UK, US and EU. Equipment World covered its Bauma 2025 platform launch, including autonomous truck loading and trenching demonstrations with major OEM machines.
Key features
- Rack retrofit kit: LiDAR, cameras, GNSS, hydraulic sensors and edge compute on the machine roof
- Slate tablet: tap to define the dig, switch between manual, assisted and autonomous modes
- Built-in machine control and real-time 3D surveying from the same sensor suite
- Learning-based control that adapts to changing ground conditions (vendor description)
- Remote operation option – in cab, beside the machine, or from a teleoperation station
- Works across more than a dozen machine brands, per company and trade reports
Pricing
Pricing is not public. Gravis sells through OEM and dealer channels and, in the UK, through a rental package with an excavator already equipped – but no list price is published for the Rack, Slate or subscription. Ask what is hardware, what is recurring software, and whether a pilot machine is available before committing a fleet unit.
Who it’s for
Earthmoving contractors and plant hire firms with mixed fleets who want autonomy without tying themselves to one OEM. It suits production tasks – truck loading, trenching, bulk excavation, grading and stockpile work – where the claimed gains were measured. Operators who want to keep a hand in, moving between manual finesse and autonomous cycles, will find this model more natural than a fully driverless system.
Who should skip it
US contractors who need proven local dealer support today should verify coverage carefully – Gravis is Europe-rooted and still expanding its US footprint. Also skip it if your work is mostly intricate, one-off digging around live services: the gains Gravis quotes come from high-volume, repeatable tasks, not delicate custom work.
Pros
- Manual, assisted and autonomous modes on one machine – adoption at your pace
- Mixed-fleet retrofit across many brands, including rental availability in the UK
- Machine control and 3D survey value even when you are not running autonomously
- Credible partners and live sites across seven countries (vendor-reported)
Cons
- No public pricing; channel and regional terms will vary
- Headline 30% figure is a vendor claim for suitable tasks, not a guarantee
- US sales and support network is still being built out
- Young company (founded 2022) compared with established machine-control brands
FAQ
What machines does Gravis fit?
Excavators and wheel loaders across more than a dozen brands, per the company, including Develon, Hitachi, Case and Menzi Muck machines shown in demonstrations. Confirm your model.
Can the operator stay in control?
Yes. Slate and Copilot are built around switching between manual, AI-assisted and autonomous operation, in the cab or remotely.
How much does Gravis Robotics cost?
Pricing is not public. Expect dealer, OEM or rental-channel quotes depending on your market.
Bottom line
Gravis is the retrofit to watch if you run mixed iron and want autonomy you can dial up task by task, with an operator still very much in the picture. Verify US support in your state, trial it on production loading or trenching, and judge it on your own cycle times – not the headline percentage.