It looks like Dearborn won’t be the only place where the sound of digging means progress. A team of former Waymo engineers — yes, the same crew behind those robotaxis cruising around — is now getting serious about another kind of machine: the kind that digs dirt.
Bedrock Robotics, founded by Boris Sofman (a Carnegie Mellon robotics PhD and ex-Waymo lead), just popped out of stealth mode with $80 million in funding and big dreams to automate the construction industry. Think less Bob the Builder, more R2-D2 with a hard hat.
Their idea? Skip the fancy new equipment. Instead, retrofit the beasts already on construction sites — like excavators — with cameras, lidar, and AI brains that let them run 24/7 without needing a smoke break, hydration, or a union. First commercial digs are expected in 2026.
It’s a smart move, especially when you consider that construction is booming, labor is shrinking, and no one wants to dig trenches in 100-degree heat. Plus, unlike self-driving cars, these machines stay on-site, so no need to deal with messy street regulations or speed demons.
Here in Dearborn, where half the uncles work in engineering or construction, this news hits close to home. Imagine a future where local contractors partner with robotic systems to speed up development while trimming costs. We’re talking 20% cost reductions and projects done ahead of schedule — yalla, finish the job already!
The company is already testing in Arizona, Texas, and Arkansas, and plans to expand to real customer sites next month. It’s serious business with a side of science fiction.
So, next time you pass by a construction site and don’t see a guy drinking Fayrouz on break, don’t worry — the robot probably doesn’t need one.
Dearborn Blog 