Monumental, Autonomous Construction Robot Startup Funding IDR 391.1 Billion

Autonomous Construction Robot from Monumental is working on the construction of a brick wall. (photo: dock. flip.it)

JAKARTA - The construction industry is one of the most potential categories to experience disruption thanks to automation. The industry has a value of around US$2 trillion (Rp31 quadrillion) annually, only in the United States alone. Many of these jobs are tiring,petitive, and sometimes dangerous exactly the type of problem that industrial robots can solve. Another thing that construction offers is a variety of challenges, so more startups can operate in that space without competing directly.

The brick-making machines are not a new concept. Currently, Hadrian X may be the leading player in the space. The company from the United States specializes in building structures from large concrete masonry blocks. Meanwhile, Amsterdam-based Monumental specializes in more familiar types of clay red bricks.

The startup was founded in 2021 by a couple behind data visualization company Silk (now part of Palantir). Monumental has conducted limited trials in the Netherlands, including the construction of an exterior 15-meter office building. Partnerships with 25 contractors have followed, including housing development for low-income groups.

The company appears to be able to overcome problems from various sides, starting from autonomous trains designed to carry heavy loads. From there, other robots spread liquid mortars and place bricks.

"At Monumental, we are working to help the industry overcome these challenges," said Monumental co-founder and CEO Salar al Khafaji. "Our agile, intelligent, and adaptable robotics-independent robotics-in-the-in-the-in-in-in-the-in-in-in-the-in-industrial" robotics.

To celebrate its launch, Monumental also announced funding of US$25 million (Rp391.1 billion), led by Plural and Hummingbird, with participation from Northzone, Foundamental, and NP-Hard Ventures.

The funds will be used for recruitment, increasing production scale, and diversifying the types of bricks/blocks that can be handled by its robots.