SoftBank invests $225M in autonomous construction tech firm ASI
Joint venture formed to develop self-driving heavy equipment for infrastructure projects
1Major autonomous construction investment
SoftBank has invested $225 million in Autonomous Solutions Inc (ASI), a Utah-based company specializing in autonomous vehicle software. The investment accompanies the formation of a joint venture focused on developing self-driving machines for large-scale infrastructure projects including road construction, rail works, and airport development. ASI's technology enables automation of existing heavy equipment fleets.
2OEM-agnostic automation approach
ASI's flagship product Mobius is software that autonomously operates fleets of heavy equipment regardless of manufacturer. This allows construction firms to automate their existing mixed fleets of haul trucks, dozers, loaders and compactors without being locked into specific equipment brands. The company emphasizes this vendor-neutral approach as a key differentiator in the autonomous construction space.
3Joint venture details
While the $225 million investment goes directly to ASI, SoftBank has also established a separate joint venture with the company focused on civil construction automation. The JV will develop autonomous solutions for material handling and site work, though specific ownership stakes, funding amounts, and the venture's name remain undisclosed. This follows SoftBank's August investment in Swiss excavator automation firm Gravis Robotics.
4Target applications
The partnership aims to serve major infrastructure builders working on roads, airports, railways, and waste management sites. ASI CEO Mel Torrie highlighted the technology's versatility, capable of handling tasks ranging from earthmoving to vertical construction. The autonomous systems are designed to operate in challenging job site conditions typical of large-scale civil projects.
5Company background
Founded in 2000 by Utah State University engineers, ASI has developed its autonomous technology over two decades. Headquartered in Mendon, Utah, the company operates an 80+ hectare test site and maintains offices in Salt Lake City, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Longmont, Colorado. ASI's technology currently sees use across agriculture, construction, logistics, and landscaping sectors.
6Market expansion plans
ASI plans to use the SoftBank investment to expand its market presence across the construction industry. The funding will support broader adoption of its autonomous solutions among equipment fleets in the building trade. This comes as construction firms increasingly seek automation solutions to address labor shortages and improve worksite efficiency.
7Technology deployment strategy
Rather than manufacturing equipment, ASI focuses on retrofitting existing machines with autonomous capabilities. This approach allows faster adoption as contractors can upgrade their current fleets. The company's systems are designed to handle the complex, dynamic environments of active construction sites with constantly changing terrain and obstacles.
8Industry implications
SoftBank's substantial investment signals growing confidence in autonomous construction technology's near-term viability. The partnership combines ASI's technical expertise with SoftBank's financial resources and industry connections, potentially accelerating adoption across major infrastructure projects. This could reshape productivity benchmarks in the traditionally labor-intensive construction sector.
Original article: The Next Web — SoftBank invests $225M in autonomous construction tech firm ASI