Gravis Robotics raised $23 million to expand autonomous retrofits for heavy construction equipment across the U.K., U.S., and EU, a development that opens opportunities for engineering schools to partner on robotics, safety testing and workforce retraining. The startup adds sensors and autonomy layers to excavators and loaders and says its tech can reduce risky tasks while creating remote‑operation roles—an argument that could reshape vocational curricula and university research on construction automation. Gravis’ funding signals private interest in applied robotics that universities can channel into industry‑aligned degree programs and joint testing projects.