“Earthmoving is the Foundation of Everything”, Says AIM CEO Sadilek

Every year, the U.S. construction sector seems to be falling further behind. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the industry needs to hire an additional 440,000 workers this year alone, with another half-million required next year, just to meet demand. This shortage is a drag on everything from infrastructure upgrades, mining operations, and even climate resilience efforts.

AIM Intelligent Machines, a startup that wants to change how the world moves earth, thinks it can meet those demands.

Founded in 2021 by Adam Sadilek, a veteran of Waymo and Google Brain, AIM retrofits existing heavy machinery (bulldozers, excavators, and other earthmovers) with AI-powered autonomy. The goal is ambitious: make construction and mining operations safer, more productive, and scalable without relying on a dwindling supply of skilled human operators.

AIM recently raised a $50 million funding round with backing from top-tier investors like Khosla Ventures, General Catalyst, Human Capital, and Ironspring Ventures. The company plans to expand its 40-person team and open a new facility in Washington state to keep up with demand.