Buildroid AI, a US-based robotics startup, has exited stealth with a $2 million pre-seed round to speed up the use of robotic construction crews. The round is led by Tim Draper, an early investor in Tesla, SpaceX, Skype, and Robinhood. The company is using the UAE as its first test market before expanding to the US and other regions.
Buildroid was founded by CEO Slava Solonitsyn, a Y Combinator alumnus who previously built Mighty Buildings, which raised over $100 million and delivered more than 50 3D-printed homes. His co-founder, Anton Glance, earlier built Glance Clock, later acquired by NeXtime.
The company is focusing on the partition wall segment of the UAE’s $42.75 billion construction market, an area facing labor shortages and efficiency challenges.
Although headquartered in the US, Buildroid chose the UAE because it offers a faster path to deployment. According to Solonitsyn, the regulatory process is more streamlined, allowing robots to operate on construction sites without long approval cycles.
US deployments often face extended OSHA safety reviews. The UAE’s expanding construction sector and rising labor constraints make it a practical environment for early pilots.
Buildroid’s platform links Building Information Models with AI-driven Digital Twin simulations. It uses Nvidia Omniverse to plan robotic tasks before they reach the site.
The first block-laying robot, created using BIM-to-BUILD simulation, is already running on UAE sites. By validating tasks virtually, the company aims to cut scheduling delays, reduce errors, and deliver more consistent output.
The company reports that its multi-robot system can achieve productivity gains of up to ten times and cost reductions of up to four times compared to manual labor.
Buildroid also plans to add Autonomous Mobile Robots to move concrete blocks from pallets to the primary robot, removing the need for manual material handling.
Over time, the company expects to open the platform to external robotics vendors, positioning Buildroid as an operating layer for construction automation rather than a single-product provider.
General contractor ALEC is piloting Buildroid’s system as part of its robotics roadmap. Imad Itani, ALEC’s Head of Innovation, noted the value of testing robotic workflows virtually before full deployment.
Lead investor Tim Draper stated that Buildroid’s platform connects a range of robotic technologies through BIM-based simulations while keeping skilled human operators central to the process.
The new funds will help Buildroid scale pilot projects, strengthen its simulation engine, and advance autonomous capabilities.
The initial commercial focus is on non-load-bearing walls—work that is repetitive and suitable for automation.
Commercial deployments with major contractors are expected in the second quarter of next year, supported by value-sharing models based on project savings.
Buildroid AI enters the market at a time when labor shortages, rising demand, and improvements in AI are reshaping construction. Its hardware-agnostic approach connects BIM models with on-site execution through Digital Twin simulations and proprietary AI software. If UAE pilots meet expectations, the company will be positioned to scale into the US and other global markets.
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