This ex-Googler is bringing self-driving excavators to construction sites

Bass knows the construction industry well from his 24 years at Autodesk, whose AutoCAD software is used by architects and engineers. He was impressed with the retrofitting technology and with the idea that this technology can help contractors save money. "They're going to people and saying we're betting we'll do it better and cheaper than anybody else," Bass said. "They're not going out and saying you have to buy a $40,000 machine from me." Caterpillar and Deere have some of their own autonomous machinery efforts at work, from mining and hauling equipment to mowers. But Bass said that just as GM and Ford are partnering with technology companies for their self-driving car efforts, the traditional heavy equipment makers will do the same in construction. The company just raised $15 million in a funding round led by NEA, which will go toward hiring engineers and getting the product ready for commercial adoption. Peter Thiel's Founders Fund is also an investor. In addition to speeding up hiring, Ready-Campbell said he'll use some of the new money to buy more machines like excavators and bulldozers. He's also got a new building on the way for his team to work more comfortably. The 1,400 square foot office will be parked in the driveway. "We're upgrading to an office trailer," Ready-Campbell said.