Few industries are more ready for automation-driven disruption than construction. The sector is valued at over $2 trillion each year in the United States alone. Much of that work is demanding, repetitive, and sometimes dangerous—exactly the types of problems that industrial robotics are designed to address. Another advantage of construction is that it presents a diverse set of obstacles, allowing more businesses to operate in the market without competing directly.
The founders of data visualization firm Silk (now a Palantir joint venture) established the startup in 2021. Monumental has already conducted limited pilots in its home Netherlands, including the 15-meter facade of an office building. Partnerships with 25 contractors have followed, including for low-income housing.
I can’t speak much about the system’s efficacy beyond what I’ve seen in some video demos, but I can say that the business appears to be attacking the problem from multiple angles, starting with an autonomous cart intended to carry hefty weights. Following that, another robot pours liquid mortar and sets bricks.
“At Monumental, we’re working to help the industry meet these challenges. Our agile, intelligent, and adaptable robots and software blend human expertise with robotic efficiency in a way that the industry has never seen before.”
Co-founder and CEO, Salar al Khafaji
To commemorate its launch, Monumental is also launching a $25 million round led by Plural and Hummingbird, with participation from Northzone, Foundamental, and NP-Hard Ventures.
The funding will be used to hire more people, expand manufacturing, and diversify the types of bricks and blocks that its robots can handle.
