Petra Raises $30M for Swifty Tunnel-Boring Robot

Petra Secures $30 Million in Series A Funding

Petra has recently concluded a period of stealth mode, revealing a successful $30 million Series A funding round. This investment elevates the total funding for the robotics firm to $33 million.

DCVC spearheaded the round, with further contributions from ACME Capital, Congruent Ventures, 8VC, Real Ventures, Elementum Ventures, and Mac Venture Capital.

Revolutionizing Rock Excavation

According to co-founder and CEO Kim Abrams, Petra has developed a groundbreaking approach to rock excavation. This innovation is poised to significantly impact the future of tunneling operations.

The company’s technology aims to provide an affordable solution for undergrounding utilities, particularly through challenging, high-grade rock formations. This will enhance community safety by protecting infrastructure from wildfires and natural disasters.

Successful Swifty Pilot Program

The announcement coincides with the successful completion of a pilot program featuring Petra’s robotic system, Swifty.

During testing, Swifty successfully bored a 20-foot tunnel through Sioux Quartzite at a consistent rate of one inch per minute.

Overcoming Challenges with Sioux Quartzite

Sioux Quartzite is a remarkably hard metamorphic rock, frequently utilized in construction projects throughout the upper Midwest.

However, its inherent strength presents substantial obstacles for traditional tunneling methods and infrastructure development.

Thermal Drilling: A Novel Approach

“Previously, tunneling through this type of hard rock was unachievable,” stated Tesla co-founder Ian Wright, now serving as Petra’s CTO.

“Petra’s success stems from Swifty’s thermal drilling technique, which efficiently bores through rock without physical contact.”

Wright emphasized that boring 20 feet through Sioux Quartzite demonstrates the company’s unique ability to create affordable tunnels for utility infrastructure in high-grade, hard rock environments.

Swifty’s Technological Advantages

The Swifty robotic system employs machine vision and utilizes thermal drilling to navigate difficult materials, avoiding direct contact with the rock itself.

Unlike conventional microtunneling machines designed for a single diameter, Swifty can bore tunnels ranging from 20 to 60 inches in diameter.

This versatility significantly reduces the overall cost associated with tunneling projects.

Wide Range of Potential Applications

Petra envisions a broad spectrum of applications for its tunneling technology, encompassing construction, infrastructure maintenance, and the creation of new tunnels.

The company’s innovation promises to address critical infrastructure needs and enhance safety in disaster-prone regions.